Effect of artificial lights on growth and development of cybidium and chrysamnthemum

Abstract

Light is the main energy source in photosynthesis of plants. However, fluorescent light have being used as a major light in lots of plant tissue culture laboratories nowadays. Large amount of electricity is, therefore, consumed leading to high cost of seedlings in commerce. Hence, in this study, we investigated the effects of energy-saving light source (compact fluorescent lamp) on the ability of the growth and development of Chrysanthemum and Cymbidium in order to determine an alternative system of power saving rather than traditional lighting system. Obtained results showed that lamps containing more red lights (1Ư red compact fluorescent lamp, lU while compact fluorescent lamp and 3U compact fluorescent lamp) were more optimal for the plant development compared to those majoring in blue lights (GIJ). Among examined lamps, 3U compact fluorescent lamp was recognized as the best for shoot formation of Chrysanmethum as well as the formation rate of prolocorm like body (PLB) and fresh W'eight of PLB in Cymbidium. On the other hands, 1 u compact fluorescent lamp was the most suitable in term of root formation in both Chrysanmethum and Cymbidium and the development of seedlings growing in the nursery. Thus, instead of traditional lighting system (neon), compact lamps should be considered in utilization due to its enhancement in not only energy-saving but also the growth and development of plants.