Increased anthocyanin expression - temperature
Hi guys,
Did anyone notice that as the temperatures grow colder, the color of the plants seems to get better? I noticed that in all 3 of the heli species I own. I also noticed it in a couple of neps that were light green before which are now becoming red.
I was just curious if others noticed this as well. My hypothesis was that the increased temperature increases the "nutrient uptake rate" within plants. Plants are readily able to utilize all the available light (Hence, the higher growth rate during the warmer periods of the year). However, as temperature goes down, the plant is unable to utilize the same quantity of nutrients as enzymes become less efficient at lower temperatures. Hence, in order to protect their internal organelles from excessive oxidative radicals that are produced during various biochemical reactions, it is upregulating anthrocyanin expression to reduce intake of lower wavelengths of the light spectrum which is increasing the red coloration in them. Definitely a connection as plants generally require some red light for growth and now red light is being reflected away.
What do you guys think?
Varun
Hi guys,
Did anyone notice that as the temperatures grow colder, the color of the plants seems to get better? I noticed that in all 3 of the heli species I own. I also noticed it in a couple of neps that were light green before which are now becoming red.
I was just curious if others noticed this as well. My hypothesis was that the increased temperature increases the "nutrient uptake rate" within plants. Plants are readily able to utilize all the available light (Hence, the higher growth rate during the warmer periods of the year). However, as temperature goes down, the plant is unable to utilize the same quantity of nutrients as enzymes become less efficient at lower temperatures. Hence, in order to protect their internal organelles from excessive oxidative radicals that are produced during various biochemical reactions, it is upregulating anthrocyanin expression to reduce intake of lower wavelengths of the light spectrum which is increasing the red coloration in them. Definitely a connection as plants generally require some red light for growth and now red light is being reflected away.
What do you guys think?
Varun
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