POST GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTORATE

Collage of Agriculture and Environmental Science

Department of plant Science
Horticulture program
Term paper on Floriculture and Landscape Design (PHLO-533)
Title: Review on Effects of light and Its management in
Green House Flower production

Reviewed by: Hayu Hassen (Msc. Horticulture Program Student)

ID No: Pgp/395/13
Submitted to: Tewdros Bezu (P.H.D)

April 19, 2021

HARAMAYA, ETHIOPIA

I
Table of contents

Contents Page
Table of contents.........................................................................................................................................II
Contents Page..............II
Abstract......................................................................................................................................................III
Chapter 1.....................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
2. Literature review.....................................................................................................................................3
2.1. Light Absorption System by Green House flower.............................................................................3
2.2. Effect of Light on Green house flower production............................................................................4
2.4. Artificial Light and Its Controlling Methods in flower producing green house..................................5
2.3. Light Management for Flowers produced in Green House...............................................................6
3. Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................7
4. References...............................................................................................................................................8

II
 Abstract

Light is most important basis for growth of plants, and it is the driving force for photosynthesis.
Plants can absorb the range of ‘light’ spectrum usually extended from 320 nm to 760 nm. The
Fundamental measurement units of lighting are lumen, lux or foot-candle. Plants contain light
absorbing chemicals called pigments. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths or colors
of light. The chlorophyll pigment absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light which are involved
in photosynthesis. Light can affect the flowers through affecting physiological process influence
the flowering of of many ornamental plants. The greenhouse industry mainly usable over the
world to modify light energy consumption. In green house light management practices can be
through reduction in the natural light using covering materials and construction, and increasing
the relative air humidity and making temperature variations, by combining with the use of high
CO2 levels. The most recent light emitting diodes (LEDs) have replaced conventional lighting
technologies in many indoor and protected environments, resulting in great and rapid
technological evolution in the horticultural lighting industry. The capability of LED lighting
systems to control photon emissions allows the design and manipulation of LED light irradiation
according to cultivation strategy. Lack of sufficient light can be a limiting factor for plant
growth in a greenhouse environment. lower opening as well as long keeping quality to a
satisfaction level are important factors determining consumer satisfaction and choice.Plants
growing under low light conditions may exhibit slow growth rates, chlorosis, small new leaves,
stretching of the internodes, delayed flowering, aborted flowers and cause low quality of
flowers. Artificial light is used for several years for plant growth and development purposes. In
the last few decades lighting technologies, such as (FL), (HPS), (MH) incandescent (INC)
lamps, and LED`s. The art of growing plants with artificial lighting, i.e HPS, LED, IF, INS and
is evolving together with new digital and smart technologies.

Keys: Light spectrum, LED, Light aborbtion,

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Chapter 1.
Introduction

Light is most important basis for growth of plants, and it is the driving force for photosynthesis.
It may also affect plant development, morphology, dry matter partitioning and water
content(Marcelisa L.F.M. and Pascale S. De. 2009). Photosynthesis has a direct response to light
(Garcia C. P. et al., 2018). Light denotes the range of the electromagnetic spectrum which
humans can sense (approximately 400 nm to 760 nm). In plant physiology, the range of ‘light’ is
usually extended from 320 nm to 760 nm. Quanta (photons) of this spectrum range can only be
absorbed in the plant by a very few types of molecules, characterised by extensive electron
systems, for example chlorophylls or carotenoids(Perez M., 2015).

The light quality, length of photoperiod and air temperature can affect other cellular processes of
the plant directly or indirectly, through affecting physiological process influence the flowering of
of many ornamental plants. High intensity discharge (HID) supplemental lighting reduced
production time and reduce time to anthesis of cut flowers 3-10 days and Flowering occurred
most rapidly in plants grown at higher temperature, while the time of floral initiation was
significantly delayed at lower temperature(Rezazadeh A., et.al., 2018). Moreover, effects of light
are affected by many other factors, e.g. CO 2 concentration, temperature and leaf area index. The
growth rate of a crop largely depends on the radiation it receives. To regulate solar radiation
effect and amount of incident light on a crop the structures such as green house are used
(Marcelis, L.F.M. et.al., 2006).

Nowadays, the greenhouse industry has mainly usable over the world to modify light energy
consumption. In green house light management practices can be through reduction in the natural
light using covering materials and construction, and increasing the relative air humidity and
making temperature variations, by combining with the use of high CO 2 levels(Gislerod L.M.
et.al., 2012) and through artifitial light by using LED, HPS, FL, MH and INC.

The Fundamental measurement units of lighting are lumen, lux or foot-candle which are related
to the human eye’s perception. Instead, in horticulture lighting systems assessed by parameters
showing the use of light or lighting system capacity to stimulate photosynthesis. These values

1
are, therefore, related to the absolute number of photons. Photosynthetic active radiation (PAR)
is expressed in number of photons per second (not as a direct measure of energy), as the
photosynthetic process occurs when a photon is absorbed by the plant, regardless of the
wavelength of the photon. The measure of PAR is useful for determining a quantity of light, but
not the quality of the light received by the plant. Ultimately, the specific wavelengths that are
entering the mesophyll layer are the final determinant of how beneficial or not the light will be
(Dănilă E. and Lucache D.D. 2016).

The use of artificial light for plant growth and development purposes has been known for more
than a century. However, until recently, horticultural lighting systems were based on the
traditional industry which are not specifically designed for plant growth applications.
Particularly, only in the last few decades lighting technologies, such as fluorescent (FL), high-
pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH) and incandescent (INC) lamps, have started to be
implemented for plant cultivation and research (Bantis, F. Et.al., 2018). Light is the most
important source of energy for photosynthesis; therefore, the lighting environment surrounding
plant canopy can differently influence plant growth and development. The most recent light
emitting diodes (LEDs) have replaced conventional lighting technologies in many indoor and
protected environments, resulting in great and rapid technological evolution in the horticultural
lighting industry. The capability of LED lighting systems to control photon emissions allows the
design and manipulation of LED light irradiation according to cultivation strategy. In this sense,
photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) plays a fundamental role, being often reported and
quantified as photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) or photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD).
Horticultural LED luminaires represent solutions more environmentally friendly and
economically favorable than conventional lighting while having safer management and disposal
practices (Paucek I. et al., 2020).

This paper will assess or summarize the effects of light on flower production in greenhouse and
to assess what and how deos effects of light can controlled to obtain good flower in greenhouse.

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2. Literature review
2.1. Light Absorption System by Green House flower

Plants contain light absorbing chemicals called pigments. Different pigments absorb different
wavelengths or colors of light. The chlorophyll pigment absorbs red and blue wavelengths of
light which are involved in photosynthesis. It is critical that adequate light be available to all
plants to ensure optimal photosynthetic rates for leaf and flower development as well as dry
matter accumulation. Lack of sufficient light can be a limiting factor for plant growth in a
greenhouse environment. Plants growing under low light conditions may exhibit slow growth
rates, chlorosis, small new leaves, stretching of the internodes, delayed flowering, and aborted
flowers. Most plants are light saturated for maximum photosynthetic rates 2,000 to 3,000 foot-
candles (400 to 600 µmol/m2 /sec). When natural lighting is less than 2,000 to 3,000 foot-
candles, artificial lights that have adequate red and blue light qualities can enhance the
photosynthetic productivity of plants(Dănilă E. and Lucache D.D. 2016). The Chlorophyll
pigment has a vital for photosynthesis, is a mixture of two compounds, chlorophyll "a" and
chlorophyll "b" which gives a green color in organic. Within the reaction of photosynthesis,
chlorophyll absorbs light energy and electrons from chlorophyll are excited(Dănilă E., and
Lucache D.D. 2016). These Pigments are molecules which selectively absorb light within the
range 320-760 nm and It is electronically excited(Perez et.al. 2015).

These plant photo-receptors are respond to change light quality and quantity, through
developmental and physiological responses commonly referred to as photo morphogenesis. For
instance, blue light is involved in a wide range of plant processes such as photo-tropism, photo-
morphogenesis, stomatal opening, photosynthesis, and flowering, red light participates in stem
elongation, root to shoot ratio, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic apparatus (Garcia C. P. et
al., 2018). Stomata which are found as small pores on the surface of leaves and stems with
bounded pair of guard cells are control water vapor and carbon dioxide interior of leaf and
atmosphere. Under continuous light stomata developed inferior. Thus, to get fully functional
stomata, a dark period is important in roses and some other flowers (Poudel M.S., 2013).

Minimizing time to flower and maximizing plant mass are desirable in bedding and potted flower
crop production. An understanding of the environmental requirements of flower induction and

3
initiation are critical to schedule a crop to flower on a specific date. Light quality (spectral
quality), quantity (photon flux), and duration (photoperiod) have a strong influence on the
morphogenesis of ornamental plants (Perez et.al.,2015).
A greenhouse is a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, in which plants requiring
regulated climatic conditions. Greenhouse crop farming has the advantage of offering year-round
production of crops, crop protection, increased yields, vegetable production in limited land sizes
and superior quality product of flowers(Wayual F.O. Et.al., 2020). Greenhouse has reduce light
energy (heat radiation) consumption by reducing the natural light and an increase in the relative
air humidity, to make better use of natural light and temperature variations, combined with the
use of high CO2 levels (Gislerod L.M. et.al., 2012).

Radiation is the primary source of energy for the synthesis of organic material, by regulating the
heat and water balance of the earth; it provides the necessary energy for life on earth. In addition,
light induces photo-morphogenic responses and occasionally functions as a stress factor (photo-
inhibitory or photo-destructive effect). Solar radiation is constituted basically by ultraviolet
radiation (UV), which involves approximately 8-9% of the total solar radiation, the
Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR), which constitutes 45-50% of the energy and infrared
solar radiation that constitutes around 50% of the solar energy (Perez et.al. 2015). Radiation is
homogeneous, isotropic, un-polarized, and all the directions of its propagation are equi-probable.
Light emission or heat radiation is the result of quantum transitions (excitation) of atoms,
molecules, or other atomic systems of higher energy states to lower energy states. This thermal
excitation of molecules is the result of collisions due to thermal agitation movement (Dănilă E.,
and Lucache D.D. 2016).

2.2. Effect of Light on Green house flower production

Light is an energy source for plants and It can affect several components of productivity and
quality of flowers, such as bud breaking, rate of flower abortion, formation of renewal shoots,
time period between harvests, length, weight and diameter of stem and flower buds, leaf area and
pigmentation of petals(Poudel M.S., 2013). Light is regarded as the most important
environmental factor acting as both as a sole source of energy as well as source of external
information affecting growth, development and flower quality . Red and blue light are efficiently

4
absorbed by photosynthetic pigments than other spectral region (Poudel M.S., 2013). Flower
opening as well as long keeping quality to a satisfaction level are important factors determining
consumer satisfaction and choice. Currently, most quality manipulation strategies are focused on
the postharvest phase but the shelf life of the product is also dependent on the environmental
condition(Fanourakis et al. 2013).
The excessive light can cause photo-oxidation resulting in the destruction of chlorophyll and the
bleaching of the leaves. High light can also promote excessive transpiration or evaporative loss
of water from the leaves, which results in wilting and drying of the leaves. This can be prevented
by hanging mesh shade cloth from eave to eave, or by applying a whitewash to the greenhouse
covering.

2.4. Artificial Light and Its Controlling Methods in flower producing green
house
Artificial light is used for several years for plant growth and development purposes. In the last
few decades lighting technologies, such as fluorescent (FL), high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal
halide (MH) and incandescent (INC) lamps, have started to be implemented for plant cultivation
and research which are not spectrally optimal for crops nor energetically efficient, furthermore
releasing a large amount of radiant heat (Bantis, F. Et.al., 2018). The most recent light emitting
diodes (LEDs) have replaced lighting technologies in many indoor and protected environments,
resulting in great and rapid technological evolution in the horticultural lighting industry (Paucek
I. et al., 2020 and Poudel M.S., 2013). The suitability of LED lighting systems for plant-growing
applications is based on their potential features (e.g., small size, durability, long lifetime and cool
emitting temperature) in combination with the advantages offered by the modularity in
wavelength selection and light output, and the elevated energy conversion efficiency (Paucek I.
et al., 2020 and Massa G.D. Et.al., 2008). Supplementary or lighting give the best result of shoot
growth by reducing the bud abortion High irradiance improves flower yields; enhanced bottom
breaks and help in stimulating auxillary shoot development(Poudel M.S., 2013). Horticultural
lighting systems are best assessed by parameters showing the lamps’ capacity to stimulate and
aid photosynthesis, Which is related to PAR. Besides that only a fraction of light energy is
absorbed for photosynthesis, plants response different to wavelengths. (Poudel M.S., 2013).
Artificial lighting is one of technological aspects which allows shortening the juvinile period for
flowers(Garcia C. P. et al., 2018).

5
2.3. Light Management for Flowers produced in Green House

High light can promote excessive transpiration or evaporative loss of water from the leaves,
which results in wilting and drying of the leaves and results low quality of the flower. This can
be prevented by hanging mesh shade cloth from eave to eave, or by applying a whitewash to the
greenhouse covering. Long Day (LD) light regimes can be created by: (1) using natural long
days (2) using Nightinterruption Lighting (NI) which is created by exposing plants to at least 10
to 15 foot-candles of light via high intensity lights from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM. This makes the
plant react to short dark periods which provides the same effect as long days. Growers can put
the lights on a timer or controlled through a computerized environmental control system. Short
Day (SD) light regimes can be created by: (1) using natural short days, or (2) during natural long
days, create Short Days by covering plants with Blackout Cloth. The Blackout Cloth must hang
to the ground so no light reaches the plants. If the Blackout Cloth covers from gutter to gutter in
a greenhouse, the fans should run to prevent heat buildup under the Blackout Cloth. High
temperatures under the Blackout Cloth can cause hard growth, chlorosis, malformed flowers,
delayed flowering, and bud abortion (Ferris terry;.FLORICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT Part II: Greenhouse Production and Management).

Different light qualities affect plant morphogenesis and light use efficiency. For photosynthesis,
it was natural to action spectrum and, by using red LED light (620-660 nm), it was possible to
achieve around 20% more photosynthesis than by using HPS with the same amount of light in
μmol m2/s. the wave length is responsible for variations in photosynthesis(Gislerod L.M. et.al.,
2012). Supplementary lighting results in increasing numbers of flowers. High irradiance
improves flower yields; enhanced bottom breaks and help in stimulating auxillary shoot
development and finally reduced the number of blind shoots. If the lighting period is increased in
a day there is an increment in the number of flowers and the number of days until flowering is
reduced (Pettersen et al. 5 2007). Moreover supplementary lighting give the best result of shoot
growth by reducing the bud abortion (Poudel M.S., 2013).

When using artificial lighting for plant cultivation, energy saving is an important factor for
growers for controlling costs. More efficient lighting techniques are essential to improve the
sustainability and profitability of crop production.

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3. Conclusion

Light is most important basis for growth of plants, and it is the driving force for photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis has a direct response to light. Like that of other plants the ornamental plants
including flowers which are grown under greenhouse are affected by the natural light quality and
quantity. Plants growing under low light conditions may exhibit slow growth rates, chlorosis,
small new leaves, stretching of the internodes, delayed flowering, aborted flowers and cause low
quality of flowers. Plants usually absorb light spectrum found between 320 nm to 760 nm.
Different pigments absorb different wavelengths or colors of light. The chlorophyll pigment
absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light which are involved in photosynthesis. The Light
quality, quantity and duration have a strong influence on the morphogenesis of ornamental
plants. It is critical that adequate light be available to all plants to ensure optimal photosynthetic
rates for leaf and flower development. Lack of sufficient light can be a limiting factor for plant
growth and floral quality in a greenhouse environment. When natural lighting in adequate for
photosynthetic rates, artificial lights that have adequate red and blue light qualities can given to
enhance the photosynthetic productivity and increasing flower quality.High light can promote
excessive transpiration or evaporative loss of water from the leaves, this results low quality of
the flower. This can be prevented by hanging mesh shade cloth from eave to eave, or by applying
a whitewash to the greenhouse covering.

Horticultural lighting systems are best assessed by parameters showing the lamps’ which
stimulate and aid photosynthesis. Artificial lighting is one of technological aspects which allows
shortening the juvinile period for flowers. Supplementary lighting results in increasing numbers
of flowers. High irradiance improves flower yields; enhanced bottom breaks and help in
stimulating auxillary shoot development and finally reduced the number of blind shoots. If the
lighting period is increased in a day there is an increment in the number of flowers and the
number of days until flowering is reduced. Moreover supplementary lighting give the best result
of shoot growth. The art of growing plants with artificial lighting, i.e HPS, LED, IF, INS and is
evolving together with new digital and smart technologies for vertical farms, small indoor
gardening systems, academic research, sensor technologies through supported wireless
connection and embedded software.

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4. References

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Fanourakis, D., Pieruschka, R., Savvides, A., Macnish, A. J., Sarlikioti, V. & Woltering, E. J.
(2013). Sources of vase life variation in cut roses: A review. Postharvest Biology
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Comparisons of Different Lighting Systems for Horticultural Seedling
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(2006). Quantification of the Growth Response to Light Quantity of Greenhouse
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Marcelisa L.F.M. and Pascale S. De (2009). Crop Management in Greenhouses: Adapting the
Growth Conditions to the Plant Needs or Adapting the Plant to the Growth
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Lighting Systems for Horticulture: Business Growth and Global Distribution.
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www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
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Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology Volume IV ©2006 Global
Science Books, UK Corresponding author: * mps515@alboran.ual.es
Pettersen, R. I., Moe, R. & Gislerd, H. R. (2007). Growth of pot roses and post-harvest rate of
water loss as affected by air humidity and temperature variations during growth
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function of greenhouse grown Rosa hybrida.thesis submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Plant
Science (Horticulture).Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (IPM),
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway May, 2013
Rezazadeh A., Harkess R.L. and Telmadarrehei T. (2018). The Effect of Light Intensity and
Temperature on Flowering and Morphology of Potted Red Firespike.
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20 October 2018; Published: 25 October 2018 Horticulturae 2018, 4, 36;
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