Characterization of the light reaction in promoting the mobilizing ability of rose shoot tips.

Mixed fluorescent and incandescent light increased growth and sink strength of the uppermost young shoot of rose plants (Rosa hybrida cv. Marimba) in comparison to pure fluorescent light. This was manifested by increased apical dominance. Monochromatic low-energy red light, given by means of optic fibers for 24 hours to shoot tips that had been previously darkened for 5 days, increased the transport of (14)C-labeled assimilates to the intact tips and the uptake of [(14)C]sucrose by detached tips. Far-red had little or no effect, and blue was not effective at all in these reactions. Red light given directly to detached shoot tips, in vitro, increased the uptake of [(14)C]sucrose by the isolated tips. Adding far-red to the red greatly promoted the uptake, whereas blue and blue plus far-red were not active. The main character of the light reaction promoting sink activity in the shoot is that it is perceived by the shoot tip itself. It is operated by red light; far-red promotes the red effect but has little or no effect when alone. Light apparently promotes shoot sink activity by increasing the unloading process.