EVALUATION OF THE EXPRESSION OF FLOWERING GENES OF CHRYSANTHEMUM FARM (Chrysanthemum morifolium) UNDER RED LED ADDITIONAL LIGHTING CONDITION

Abstract

To prolong the growth period and inhibit the early flowering of commercial chrysanthemums, this study used artificial light sources. In chrysanthemum cultivation, there are two lighting methods: supplemental lighting to prolong the day and flash lighting to break the night. This study helps to select the appropriate light source and additional lighting time to reduce energy costs and increase economic efficiency. Under 660 nm red LED supplement lighting conditions with a lighting time of 1-2 h/night, chrysanthemum plants have the same effect of inhibiting flowering as traditional compact lights. Expression levels of CO, TFL genes were recorded through quantitative RT-PCR with specific primer pairs. In the supplement lighting group, the TFL gene, the gene that inhibits flowering, was expressed 1.27 times more than that, while the expression of CO gene, the gene that induces the buds, was inhibits 0.83 times less than that compared to non-lighting group. This result is a premise for further studies on gene expression evaluation of chrysanthemum varieties in Vietnam.