Effects of Different LED Light Quality on the Tissue Culture Proliferation and Rooting of Two Genotypes of Rhododendron

PurposeTo understand the demand for light quality of two genotypes of alpine Rhododendron in different stages when they are growing, so as to improve the quality and production efficiency of seedlings as well as facilitate its popularization, application and protection.

MethodThe seedlings of two genotypes of alpine Rhododendron (Bob’s yellow and R. wardii W. W. Smith were growing under the conditions of 8 kinds of LED light and traditional fluorescent lamps. The effects of LED light quality on their proliferation and rooting was manifested by comparing the multiplication coefficient, the chlorophyll content of the proliferating and rooting seedlings, the rooting rate and the height.

ResultThe pure red light was the most suitable for proliferation and rooting of Bob’s yellow. The multiplication coefficient was 8.53, and the rooting rate was 93.33%. The pure blue light was suitable for the proliferation of R. wardii and the multiplication coefficient was 4.2. 2RB was the best for R. wardii with rooting rate up to 83.33%. The red, blue and green light restricted the proliferation of these two Rhododendron, but helped chlorophyll synthesis.

ConclusionThe effects of different LED light quality on the proliferation and rooting of two genotypes of Rhododendron were different. For one otype, the optimal LED light quality was different during proliferation and rooting. To explore the suitable LED light quality, in view of different genotypes and different growth stages of Rhododendron, it could promote the seedling quality and production efficiency of Rhododendon.