Key Findings on the Effect of Colored Plastic Films on Tomato Growth, Yield, and Plant Pigment Content
Light and Temperature Influence
- Growth Factors: Tomato plant growth is influenced by the quantity and wavelength of light as well as temperature.
- Interaction: The interaction between light and temperature significantly affects plant development.
Selective Filtration with Colored Films
- Purpose: Greenhouse films selectively filter sunlight to control plant growth.
- Effects: Different wavelengths affect photosynthetic pigments, morphogenesis, and phytochrome responses.
Specific Light Effects
- Yellow Light: Wavelengths (447, 638, 669, and 731 nm) reduce tomato yield during germination.
- Orange Light: Slows growth, reduces chlorophyll content, and affects pigment levels.
- Blue Light: Stimulates chlorophyll formation but reduces plant height.
- Ultraviolet Light (380 nm): Enhances growth but delays ripening.
Lycopene Synthesis
- Optimal Synthesis: Lycopene synthesis is optimal when green fruit is exposed to 650 nm light.
Experimental Study
- Objective: Researchers investigated the impact of colored polyethylene films (red, yellow, blue) on tomato cultivation.
- Film Thickness: 120 micrometers.
- Light Transmission: Measured in the range of 400-700 nm using a spectrophotometer.
- Parameters Studied:
- Plant length
- Leaf pigment content
- Chlorophyll
- Carotenoids
- Fresh/dry fruit weight
- Lycopene content
Summary
The color of plastic films used in tomato cultivation significantly impacts plant growth and fruit pigment content. Specific wavelengths of light filtered by these films can enhance or inhibit various growth parameters and pigment synthesis, thereby affecting the overall yield and quality of tomato plants.
