Effects of environmental factors on seedling growth and anthocyanin content in Betula ‘Royal Frost’ leaves

Abstract

Determining the influences of environmental factors on seedling growth and leaf color may improve our understanding of the chromogenic mechanisms in leaves and the biosynthesis of anthocyanin. To determine the optimum conditions for Betula ‘Royal Frost’ seedling cultivation, we assessed seedling growth and anthocyanin content under natural conditions. The temperature had a significant influence on height but not on radial growth. Between June and September, the anthocyanin content was significantly positively correlated with light intensity and air moisture and significantly negatively correlated with temperature. In single-factor experiments to determine the variation in anthocyanin content in the greenhouse, anthocyanin content increased with increasing soil water content and at first increased, then decreased with increasing pH of the irrigation water and temperature, but decreased with increasing light intensity. K₂SO₄ can increase the anthocyanin content. So to maintain leaf color, seedlings should be cultivated with < 200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ light intensity at 20 °C and soil moisture content between 60 and 90%, and the irrigation water should be neutral or alkaline. Additionally, spraying with K₂SO₄ can be beneficial.

Keywords

Betula ‘Royal Frost’ / Anthocyanin seedling growth / Environmental factors

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