Year: 1999
Type: article
Abstract: Summary In these investigations plastic films with different transmission for UV radiation were used to investigate the changes of leaf and flower colours of ornamental plants. The aim was to quantify and to qualify the effect of different UV-spectra of the natural radiation under practical conditions. UVB caused a decrease of the chlorophyll content of Coleus × hybrida . Therefore the yellow pigments of a green-yellow cultivar and the red pigments of a redgreen cultivar emerged. UVB also caused brighter leaves of Dendranthema × grandiflorum . No loss of plant quality was recognised as a result of chlorophyll degradation. UVA induced the synthesis of anthocyanins in flowers and leaves of Kalanchoe × hybrida 'Colorado', increased by UVB. It is possible to use this positive effect in plant production. Whereas the production of anthocyanins in the leaves of non-hardened plants as a result of increased UVB-radiation in springtime must be mentioned as a negative effect. The use of UV-radiation to harden young plants can be suggested. It is possible to use UV-selective plastic films to influence varieties with coloured leaves, positive changes in flower colour of some ornamentals are possible.
Author: Silke Hoffmann
Institution: Leibniz University Hannover
Language: English
Topic: Light effects on plants
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W57296941