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The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been neglected in previous research. Anthurium is a cold-sensitive species originating from tropical climates and is widely cultivated all around the world for its colorful spathes. To investigate the effects of light spectrum on the performance of Anthurium cut flowers under cold storage, two cultivars [Calore (red spathe) and Angel (withe spathe)] were placed at low temperature (4°C), either in darkness (D) or under different light spectra [red (R), blue (B), 70:30% red:blue (RB), and white (W)] at an intensity of 125 µmol.m −2 .s −1. In both cultivars, the longest and shortest vase lives were observed in spathes exposed to the R and B spectra, respectively. In both cultivars, electrolyte leakage (EL) of spathe was highest under the B and W spectra and lowest under the R spectrum. The highest rate of flower water loss from the spathes was observed under the B-containing light spectra, whereas the lowest rate of water loss was observed in D and under the R spectrum. Negative correlations were observed between EL and vase life and between anthocyanin concentration and EL for both Anthurium cultivars. A positive correlation was found between anthocyanin concentration and vase life. For both Anthurium cultivars, spectral light composition with higher percentage of B resulted in higher EL and as a result shorter vase life in cut flowers under cold storage condition. The negative effect of the B light spectrum on vase life of Anthurium can be explained through its effect on water loss and on oxidative stress and membrane integrity. The quality of Anthurium cut flowers should benefit from environments with restricted B light spectrum during postharvest handling.

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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 increase in PPFD and N concentration. High N supply reduced stomatal size and gs in plants under lowest PPFD. Under low PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to leaves and stem was higher than that of flower and roots while in plants grown under high PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to flower and root outweighed that of 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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