New Grower Autoflowers and Phytochrome?

[les_gold]

Hello AFN community!

I have a quick question for all the experts that frequent these parts.

Do autoflowering strains produce Phytochrome during their dark periods? I know that school of thought varies from 24/0, 20/4, 18/6 (most common 3). If you were to grow 24/0, then there obviously is no dark cycle so certainly there is no phytochrome production. So, I believe the answer is going to be "no, auto's do not produce phytochrome" but I am not sure.

If they do not produce Phytochrome, is that due to the Ruderalis? (I have no clue if Ruderalis produce Phytochrome)


In case you're new like me and lost by my question, let me provide some background, From "Professor Lee's Introduction to Growing Grade A Bud."

"During the actual dark period, the plants produce a chemical called phytochrome. When enough phytochrome is produced - for instance when they're exposed to 12 hours of darkness - the plant believes its Fall and therefore time to flower. Phytochrome is photosensitive and is instantly destroyed by exposure to light. Even a brief flash of light is enough to ruin an entire night's supply. "


Thank you AFN community and happy growing!

 

[happily]

I'd say you answered your own question......yes they are not photoperiods

 

[les_gold]

Thanks Happily,

So, does the Ruderalis eliminate the need for phytochrome production?

 

[happily]

I'm sure that's the case but I won't say I know

 

[SCARHOLE]

Autos still have phytocrome.

Phytocrome is a pigment that's sensitive to red an far red.


Wiki def-
"Phytochrome is a photoreceptor, a pigment that plants use to detect light. It is sensitive to light in the red and far-red region of the visible spectrum. Many flowering plants use it to regulate the time of flowering based on the length of day and night (photoperiodism) and to set circadian rhythms. It also regulates other responses including the germination of seeds (photoblasty), elongation of seedlings, the size, shape and number of leaves, the synthesis of chlorophyll, and the straightening of the epicotyl or hypocotyl hook of dicot seedlings. It is found in the leaves of most plants.

Biochemically, phytochrome is a protein with a bilin chromophore.

Phytochrome has been found in most plants including all higher plants; very similar molecules have been found in several bacteria. A fragment of a bacterial phytochrome now has a solved three-dimensional protein structure."




I believe phytocrome is used in the light also.
This is demonstratrd with "The Emerson enhancement effect" and photosynthetic lighting




Defination -
"While it’s commonly known that there are a wide range of wavelengths absorbed and used by plants for photosynthesis, the enhancement effects of certain bands of the spectrum are more complex but still important to consider for indoor growers wanting to maximize photosynthetic growth effects from their lighting. Some of the shorter light wavelengths—when combined with longer wavelengths—act to boost photosynthesis more effectively than if either of the wavelengths was present alone. This is termed the ‘Emerson enhancement effect’ and it is an important aspect to take into consideration when deciding between different types and outputs of lamps and bulbs. This enhancement effect means there is a synergy between red and far red wavelengths and therefore a benefit to providing plants with both—even if the plants are not flowering.
Figure three below shows how the Emerson enhancement effect works—up at the 700 nm range, it appears as if photosynthesis drops off (this is called the ‘red drop off’), so it might appear that there is no point in providing plants with light in this waveband. However, when wavelengths in this far red range are combined with the shorter wavelengths of red light (680 nm), a photosynthetic enhancement effect occurs. This is why we have begun to see more lighting bulbs developed featuring output in this far red range, allowing indoor plants to take advantage of a fuller spectrum in the same way that outdoor plants have always been able to do.

Maximizing the photosynthetic potential indoors
Maximizing photosynthesis in an indoor garden is dependent on a number of factors: the correct wavelength spectrum (as explained earlier, these days that means full-spectrum lamp outputs), sufficient intensity of light for the stage of plant development, CO2 replacement or enrichment to levels over 1,000 ppm, sufficient warmth to maximize the rate of photosynthesis, good rates of water uptake and cell turgor, overall plant health and sufficient nutrition. Providing all these factors will allow plants to take full advantage of those cellular reactions which provide both energy and assimilate for maximum growth and development."

 

[SCARHOLE]

I believe the prof lee is referring to a evening phytocromereaction caused by far red from the the sun.
After sun set there's far red emitted we don't even see, this PFfr chemical stimulates flowering.

There is a induction light company playing with this by using far red an red led for 5 min after lights out.
It looks very promising!

 

[les_gold]

Thanks for info Scarhole!

 

[TheLittleBoyWhoPointed]

http://www.mobot.org/jwcross/duckweed/phytochrome.htm

LB

 

[les_gold]

First off, thank you guys (and or gals...who knows) for the great information.

My question now is, does it matter if you disrupt an Auto's night cycle? I don't mean changing the cycle, but if you open the tent during a dark period. For a photo, I know that screws everything up. Does it matter at all for an auto?

Thank you all!

 

[deuce]

no mate it shouldnt matter at all , obviously try to leave the dark cycle dark, but light leakage isnt really an issue with autos:smokebuds: