INFLUENCE OF THE LIGHT COLOUR ON THE SEEDLING QUALITY OF FRENCH MARIGOLD AND SCARLET SAGE

A. Schroeter-Zakrzewska

Abstract: The purpose of the conducted experiment was to assess the influence of the light colour on the seedling quality of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) and Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens Buc’hoz ex Etl.) cultivated with no access to natural light. Germination and seedling quality of French marigold and Scarlet sage were significantly dependent on the light colour. The red light stimulated seedling elongation. The plants cultivated under the red light were taller, characterised by longer hypocotyl and epicotyl, and had smaller fresh and dry weights in comparison to other light colours. The blue light had a favourable effect on the plants. The seedlings were rigid and of medium size, and had large leaves. The best quality French marigold and Scarlet sage seedlings were obtained when cultivated under the blue and white light. Promising results were also obtained under the joint treatments of blue and red, and blue and white light.

Keywords: germinated; LEDs; light colour; seeds

Date published: 2017-09-19