Abstract
Abstract— The action spectrum for the induction of bulb formation in Allium cepa L. was determined by continuous irradiation with monochromatic light for 3 h in the middle of the daily light period of the inductive photoperiod (18 h). The resultant action spectrum showed a single peak at 714 nm. Daily 3 h dark interruptions in the middle of inductive long photoperiods do not permit bulb formation. Bulb formation was inhibited also by monochromatic far red light (758 nm) applied at the beginning of the 3 h dark interruptions. The results of dichromatic irradiations indicate that phytochrome is the only photoreceptor involved in the photoperiodic regulation of bulbing in onion plants. The effect of far red light exhibits the characteristics (action spectrum and fluence rate dependency) of a classical “HIR” response.
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