Abstract

CASIERRA-POSADA, Fánor  and  PINTO-CORREA, José Rogelio. Growth of Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. Crosby Egipcia) under Colored Covers. Rev. Fac. Nac. Agron. Medellín [online]. 2011, vol.64, n.2, pp.6081-6091. ISSN 0304-2847.

Plant responses to different colors of illumination are attributed to different photoreceptors which operate as light-induced initiators of signalling pathways leading to varying phenotypic expressions at various levels and stages of plant development. To determine whether the color of illumination under which plants are grown, affects the growth, yield and the quality of harvested product, beet plants (Beta vulgaris L. var. Crosby Egipcia) were grown under either blue-enriched, red-enriched, or transparent covers in Duitama -Colombia. To get colors, red, blue and transparent polyethylene films were expanded 65 cm above crop, leaving an uncovered control. A basic growth analysis was done and the quality of harvested roots was measured. Red film covered plants showed better root quality based on diameter, total soluble solids and fresh and dry weight when compared to those growing under blue, transparent covers or controls. Similar results were found with the growth analysis, plants under the red cover showed higher values of absolute and relative growth rate, leaf area and total dry weight. The lowest obtained values for growth parameters in plants were presented under the blue cover. Monochromatic covers altered too the dry matter distribution in plant organs. Light quality alters growth and product quality of beet plants by the effects on the photoreceptors causing altered growth patterns.

Keywords : Photomorphogenesis; leaf area; total soluble solids; Emerson effect.

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