Effects of Various Light Sources for Night Irradiation and Light Intensity on the Flowering of Stock [Matthiola incana (L.) R. Br.] Plant

Abstract

The effects of various light sources for night irradiation and light intensity on the flowering of stock [Matthiola incana (L.) R. Br.]were investigated. The flowering of stock was promoted by the irradiation of compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamps of far-red light. The effects of incandescent lamps were similar. This promotion was accelerated by increasing the irradiance of far-red light. Significant effects of these light sources were observed in summer-sown and autumn-cultivated plants. During these periods, day length was short, and temperature was cool during the flowering period. Compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamps of far-red light were superior to incandescent lamps in cost performance. Furthermore, these lamps were easily installed instead of incandescent lamps. These results indicated that these lamps have high potential for extention.