Since 1975
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Home
  • Features
  • Japanese researchers devise new rose-growing method

Japanese researchers devise new rose-growing method

The new method is possible as chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis are found on the underside of the rose leaves as well. (Shutterstock)
The new method is possible as chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis are found on the underside of the rose leaves as well. (Shutterstock)
Short Url:
22 Jun 2021 02:06:51 GMT9
22 Jun 2021 02:06:51 GMT9

TOKYO: Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method for growing roses easily by shining light upward from underneath the plant, it was learned Tuesday.

The group led by Wataru Yamori, associate professor at the university’s Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, devised the method for potted roses, which are difficult to grow indoors due to the lack of light.

The new technique was published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Roses often wither and die when grown indoors due to the lack of light needed for photosynthesis. Shining light from above the plants limits the locations where the light sources and the pots can be placed.

The method developed by Yamori’s group involves placing light-emitting diode lights at the root of the rose and shining light upward.

In a test to compare the effectiveness of the new technique against that of shining light from above and that of not using artificial lights at all, Yamori’s method was successful in keeping the leaves of rose plants from dying and in having two-thirds of the rose buds bloom. In the test without artificial lights, all the roses died before blooming, while downward LED lighting promoted blooming but saw lower leaves wither.

The new method is possible as chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis are found on the underside of the rose leaves as well.

“It is effective in making the leaves look better and enjoying the flower for a longer period,” Yamori said.

The researchers are looking into whether the technique can be used for other plants as well.

JIJI Press

Most Popular
Recommended

return to top