Identifying environmental factors that improve plant growth and development under nitrogen (N) constraint is essential for sustainable greenhouse production. In the present study, the role of light intensity and N concentrations on the biomass partitioning and physiology of chrysanthemum was investigated. Four light intensities [75, 150, 300, and 600 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)] and three N concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mM N L⁻¹) were used.
Vegetative and generative growth traits were improved by an increase in PPFD and N concentration. High N supply reduced stomatal size and gs in plants under the lowest PPFD. Under low PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to leaves and stem was higher than that of flowers and roots, while in plants grown under high PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to flowers and roots outweighed that allocated to leaves and stem.
As well, positive effects of high PPFD on chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, water use efficiency (WUE), Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were observed in N-deficient plants. Furthermore, photosynthetic functionality improved by raise in PPFD. In conclusion, high PPFD reduced the adverse effects of N deficiency by improving photosynthesis and stomatal functionality, NUE, WUE, and directing biomass partitioning toward the floral organs.
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Esmaeili, Sara & Aliniaeifard, Sasan & Dianati, Shirin & Karimi, Soheil & Shomali, Aida & Didaran, Fardad & Telesiński, Arkadiusz & Sierka, Edyta & Kalaji, Hazem. (2022). Elevated light intensity compensates for nitrogen deficiency during chrysanthemum growth by improving water and nitrogen use efficiency. Scientific Reports. 12. 10.1038/s41598-022-14163-4.