Effects of Supplemental Light Quality and Foliar Application with Calcium on Photosynthetic Parameters and Flower Stem Strength of Cut Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’)

Roosta, Hamidreza; Nili, Fatemeh; Pourkhaloee, Ali; Askari, Naser

doi:10.22059/ijhst.2023.356795.625

Effects of Supplemental Light Quality and Foliar Application with Calcium on Photosynthetic Parameters and Flower Stem Strength of Cut Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’)

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

Hamidreza Roosta ¹

Fatemeh Nili ²

Ali Pourkhaloee ²

Naser Askari ³

¹ Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran

² Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

³ Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran

10.22059/ijhst.2023.356795.625

Abstract

Photosynthetic parameters and stem strength of Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’ plants were studied after foliar application with calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g L-1) under natural light (NL), red light LEDs (R), blue light LEDs (B) and red + blue light LEDs (RB). Chlorophyll content increased under LED lights and foliar application with calcium chloride. The maximal quantum yield of PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm) and performance index (PI) reached the lowest value under NL conditions. The highest values of photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate (E) were achieved by RB lighting. Under the RB light and calcium chloride spraying, the plants showed the lowest leaf nitrate content, compared to NL conditions. This resulted in the highest leaf nitrate content. The higher the nitrate content, the lower the stem strength. However, the leaf calcium content showed an opposite trend. Sprays of 1.5 g L-1 calcium chloride in combination with RB lighting significantly in creased the flower stem strength and reduced stem bending, compared to non-treated plants. In summary, the RB lighting and foliar application with calcium chloride enhanced the growth and flower stem firmness of cut gerbera.

Keywords

Artificial lighting

Bent neck

Floral scape rigidity

Greenhouse production

Photosynthesis