Effect of light quality on in vitro germination, seedling growth and photosynthetic pigments production in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Due to its economic importance, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been the subject of most breeding studies, most of which having as a starting point the in vitro cultures required for initiating different cell and tissues cultures such as protoplasts, ovules and pollen cells. All these procedures are used to obtain new varieties or hybrids regarding the improvement of different qualities such as higher productivity, more resistant towards pests and diseases, and to handle different environmental stress factors. This study presents specific results in attempt to optimize the efficient initiation and growth of wheat plantlets into in vitro cultures, by analysing the effects of different light wavelengths for the growing phase. The results showed that the vegetation stage of in vitro plantlets is highly influenced by the light wavelength, which may either stimulate a considered normal growth (in white artificial light) or contrary to decrease it and being relevant for maintaining wheat gene banks as in vitro culture for a long time (in red artificial light). The natural light may support the initiation of callus generation and protoplast cultures. The efficient use of light may further contribute to the cost efficiency of the process, ensuring the reduction of the carbon footprint of biotechnological protocols.