Improving the Flower Quality of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’) Using LED Light and Foliar Application of Calcium Chloride

The purpose of the present study was to improve the vegetative and reproductive growth of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’) using different light spectra and foliar application of calcium. Light spectra of red (100%), blue (100%), and red (70%) + blue (30%) were used in addition to natural light in greenhouse. Calcium chloride (CaCl2: 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g L-1) was foliar sprayed. The highest number of leaves (20) was observed under combined (red + blue) LED lights + 0.5 g L-1 CaCl2, while the lowest number (8) was obtained under natural light conditions. Combined LED lights + 1 g L-1 CaCl2 produced the largest leaf area (117.90 cm2). Under the red light, the lowest leaf area (29.51 cm2) was observed. The highest diameter of flower stem, neck, and capitulum was obtained by application of combined LED lights and 1.5 g L-1 CaCl2. By separate application of combined LED lights or calcium chloride, fresh weight of flower stem and capitulum were significantly increased. The maximum (65.83 ̊) and the minimum (2.35 ̊) neck bent were observed under natural sunlight + 0  g L-1 CaCl2 and combined LED lights + 0 g L-1 CaCl2, respectively. Totally, application of combined (70% red + 30% blue) LED lights along with foliar spraying of 1-1.5 g L-1 CaCl2 is recommended to improve the flower quality of this cultivar of gerbera.