Cryptochrome, Phytochrome, and the Photoregulation of Anthocyanin Production under Blue Light

Abstract

The principle of equivalent light action predicts that two light treatments (wavelengths ;lambda(1) and lambda(2)) producing the same Pfr/P ratio (phi(lambda1) = phi(lambda2)) and the same rate of phytochrome photoconversion (k(lambda1) = k(lambda2)) are perceived by phytochrome as being the same and should produce the same effect. The results of experiments based on the principle of equivalent light action indicate that cryptochrome is involved in the photoregulation of anthocyanin production elicited by blue light in tomato seedlings. This was also the case for one strain of cabbage seedlings. For another strain of cabbage seedlings, the results suggest that cryptochrome is either not involved or that the state of phytochrome is the principal limiting factor.