Effect of supplementary lighting on tendrils formation and photosynthetic pigments in leaves oflarge-fruited strawberry

Abstract

Lighting and its characteristics (duration of daylight hours, spectral composition of the light source) is a factor that can be used to control the development of garden strawberries (total fruit yield, number of formed leaves and peduncles). The ratio of the proportion of red (660 nm) to far red light (730 nm) in the total illumination affects strawberry fruit composition, increases leaf area and peduncle length. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supplementary illumination with far red light on the process of tendrils formation and the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaves of six varieties of large-fruited strawberries. A decrease in the content of the basic photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of five strawberry varieties (Sibylla, Albion, Furor, Sandra, Chamora Turusi) was found in the case of supplementary illumination with far red light. Prospectivity of the use of supplementary illumination with far red light to enhance the process of tendrils development for four strawberry varieties: Sibylla, Albion, Sandra, Chamora Turusi, is shown. The results can be applied in obtaining strawberry seedlings of non-remontant varieties and, possibly, for some remontant varieties, for example, Albion variety.