A study on the photomorphogenic response of Amaranthus viridis L.during de-etiolation of seedlings

This study investigated the photomorphogenic response on A. viridis during de-etiolation of seedlings using LED lights of different wavelength such as blue (450-430 nm), green (560-520 nm) and red (680-640 nm) against white light. The result was analyzed on the basis of growth parameters and pigment development. The wavelength of light has a profound effect on de-etiolation of the seedlings. Dark condition enhanced the hypocotyl elongation. Blue, green and white light reversed de-etiolation. Blue light found to has a profound effect on the length of leaf lamina. However, red light has no effect in the reversal of dark induced de-etiolation. Biomass production was higher for seedlings in blue light for A. viridis. Chlorophyll production was triggered under white light. However chlorophyll synthesis was least responsive to green light and red light in A. viridis. Further studies are required to establish the enzymatic and molecular mechanisms involved in the changes of photomorphogenic responses under various wavelengths of light and dark conditions.