Effects of Light and Plant Growth Regulators on Anthocyanin Formation of Seedlings of Waterpepper, Polygonum hydropiper L

Abstract

Effect of light and plant growth regulators on anthocyanin formation of seedlings of waterpepper, Polygonum hydropiper L. was investigated.
1. The seedlings were irradiated from daylight fluorescent lamps and then incubated at 20±3°C in the dark for 2 days. The anthocyanin content in the seedlings was remarkably increased by 15-min irradiation. Furthermore, by irradiation over 15-min, the anthocyanin content was gradually increased in proportion to the length of irradiation.
2. Maximum of action spectrum for anthocyanin formation was 660nm.
3. IAA and GA₃ application after irradiation markedly inhibited anthocyanin formation, but 2, 4-D and NAA had no effect.
4. B-9 and CCC application after irradiation promoted anthocyanin formation, but MH had no effect. B-9 application before irradiation did not promote anthocyanin formation.
5. BA application before and after irradiation markedly promoted anthocyanin formation.
6. In the practical culture of seedlings of waterpepper, soaking the seeds in BA solution for 4 days before germination improved pigmentation. Such treatment with BA was effective to promote pigmentation even under adverse conditions such as high temperature or low light intensity.