LED Lighting Influences Germination, Growth, and Biochemical Indices of Snapdragon.

Antirrhinum majus L. has many applications in genetic studies and the medicinal and ornamental plant industries. However, its seeds have a low germination percentage and speed, and the growth of its seedlings is weak, which has caused many problems for researchers and flower growers. Plant germination, development, and flowering are affected by light quality. Recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been used for multiple purposes in plant production. Accordingly, the influence of light quality on the germination and growth of snapdragons was assessed in this study. Hence, different light treatments included natural daylight (C), white LED (W), blue LED (B), red LED (R), and a mix of 50% blue and 50% red (BR). Germination indices were investigated for up to 21 days. Morphological and biochemical indices were analyzed in seven-day and 30-day-old seedlings, respectively. According to the results, the positive effects of BR treatment were evident in all germination indices, particularly in the germination speed. Morphological indices such as fresh weight, dry weight, shoot height, and root length were the highest in R and BR. Also, growth indices such as the contents of photosynthesis pigments, total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble protein, and total phenolic increased remarkably under the BR treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]