Colored Benches Increase Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Gas Exchange in Baby Leaf Kale

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Cassilândia, MS, Brazil

2 Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil

3 State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil

Abstract

Light quality and intensity determine the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange, reflecting plant growth and yield. This study evaluated growth, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange in baby leaf kale on colored reflective cultivation benches. In a greenhouse, we evaluated five cultivation benches with colored laminated reflective materials (Fórmicas®), representing a control bench without reflective material and benches with bright white, yellow, red, and blue reflective laminates in two production cycles. The white bench was the most effective in increasing photosynthetic active radiation in both cycles. Cultivation benches with white, yellow, red, and blue reflective material increased the number of leaves, fresh matter, dry matter, and total aerial parts concerning the control bench in both production cycles. The reflective bright blue laminate on the cultivation bench increased the chlorophyll a, b, total (a + b), and carotenoid content of baby leaf kale plants in both cycles. Using reflective materials, regardless of color, during periods of lower
radiation or on a white bench at times of higher radiation increased growth, leaf productivity, and the production of photosynthetic pigments in baby leaf kale. In both cycles, the blue bench stimulated the production of photosynthetic pigments, especially carotenoids. 

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