Effect of different light intensities on some morphologycal and physiological characteristics of Matthiola incana L

Matthiola incana is one of the most important cut flowers in Iran. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of light intensities on the morphological and physiological characteristics of Matthiola incana, cv. Miracle White. The experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 5 replications and 2 observations. The light intensities of this study were 150 (as control), 225, 300, 375 and 450 μmolm-2s-1. Parameters measured were included plant height, area and number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and stems, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, anthocyanins and total soluble sugars. The results showed that the area and number of leaves were increased significantly with increasing light intensity to 300 μmolm-2s-1 (30 and 19% respectively) and then were reduced with increasing more light intensity. Also fresh and dry weight of leaves and stems were increased significantly (up to 25%) by increasing the intensity of light to 300 μmolm-2s-1. In this research, the plant height was decreased with increasing light intensity and this reduction was significant in 450μmolm-2s-1. The amount of anthocyanin was significantly increased by addition of light intensity. The study also showed that the increasing of light intensity to plant tolerance level caused to increase photosynthetic pigments and total soluble sugars more than control. In general, the results of this research showed that light intensity can induce positive and favorable effects on growth and flowering of Matthiola.