Effects of red and blue LEDs on in vitro growth and microtuberization of potato single-node cuttings

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of red and blue LEDs on in vitro growth and microtuberization of potato (Solanum tuberosum) single-node cuttings. Explants were incubated under 6 light treatments: 100% red LEDs (R), 75% red LEDs + 25% blue LEDs (3RB), 50% red LEDs + 50% blue LEDs (RB), 25% red LEDs + 75% blue LEDs (R3B), 100% blue LEDs (B) and white LEDs (W). Most of the growth and physiological parameters were significantly higher in 3RB than W. Enhancement of leaf area and chlorophyll concentrations were obtained in B. Leaf stomata were elliptical with the lowest density in 3RB. However, those in W were round in shape, and those with the smallest size and the highest density were observed in R. Most of the characteristics of microtuberization were also improved in 3RB. The combined spectra of red and blue LEDs increased the number of large microtubers. The fresh weight of individual microtubers in R and W were increased, but not their number. These results suggest that, of the treatments assessed, 3RB is optimal for the in vitro growth of potato plantlets and the combination of red and blue LEDs is beneficial for microtuberization.