Effect of Different Light Intensities on Some Morphophysiological Traits in Two Vicia L. Species
Rawan Akkari *
Department of Botany, Plant Physiology Specialization, Faculty of Science, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
Abdulkarim Sharif Ayash
Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
Dina Haddad
Plant Biology Department, Botanical Classification, Aquatic Environment, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In this research, two Vicia L. species (Vicia Sativa and Vicia Hybrida) were exposed to different light intensities (50,000, 30,000 and 3,000 lux) with a 14:10 light: dark cycle. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light intensities on photosynthetic pigment content and leaf area, as the most important traits regarding photosynthesis and productivity. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents varied significantly in both species with increasing light intensity, as they increased in V. sativa with higher light intensities, while they decreased in V. hybrida under high light intensities. As for the leaf area, it increased in low light intensity in V. hybrida, in contrast to V. sativa, which showed a considerable decrement. the results indicated that V. sativa is more tolerant to high light intensities in terms of photosynthetic pigment`s content and leaf area compared to V. hybrida.
Keywords: Vicia, chlorophyll, carotenoids, photosynthesis, leaf area, light intensities