Comparison of Photomorphogenic Responses to UV Light in Red and White Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.).

Photoinhibition of hypocotyl growth in white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., cv "Bianco Brunswick") is controlled by UV absorbing receptor(s) and the phytochrome system, while in red cabbage (cv "Rosso Olandese tardivo invernale") phytochrome can act without any requirement for the action of a specific UV receptor. Similar results have been obtained for the photoregulation of anthocyanin production. Twenty-four hour preirradiations with UV light or 692 nanometers light lead to the same increase in responsiveness of the system toward Pfr in a following dark period, suggesting a phytochrome promotion of subsequent light induction for both.