Light quality and adventitious rooting: a mini-review

Abstract

Efficient adventitious rooting is a key process in the vegetative propagation of horticultural and woody species. A well-rooted cutting is essential for optimal growth and high quality plants. The use of spectral light quality to influence adventitious rooting has been studied for many years, but got a lot more attention since LEDs came on the market for horticultural practices. Contrasting results of the effect of light quality on adventitious rooting are reviewed in this Paper. Even though more fundamental research is needed to easily determine which light quality can be used for a specific species, the use of LEDs for adventitiuus rooting is promising. For in vitro plantlets implementation can he done easily, for in vivo cuttings, the use of LEDs seems also promising in a multi-layered system. The controlled environment will lead to a year-round high quality rooted cutting Production.