Effects of light flashes on the dark closure of Albizzia julibrissin pinnules

An electronic flash unit is used to deliver, at the beginning of a 10 min dark period and within a few ms, large doses of light to Albizzia julibrissin pinnules, to ascertain their effects on the rate of pinnule closing. In a series of alternating light flashes at 710 and 550 nm, the first 710 nm light flash significantly retards closing. A following light flash at 550 nm negates the far-red induced delay. The second 710 nm light flash delays closing less effectively than the first when given within 4 s after the green flash, but is just as effective when given after 30 s. The delay brought about by the second 710 nm light flash is again abolished by a light flash at 550 nm. A light flash at 660 nm has no effect on pinnule closing by itself and is also ineffective in reversing the far-red induced delay. A series of ten 710 nm light flashes becomes most effective in delaying closure when there is a dark interval of one min between flashes. The closing delay induced by a 710 nm light flash escapes reversal by a 550 nm light flash when the dark interval between the two flashes exceeds 2–3 min. A 750 nm light flash has no retarding effect on pinnule closing, but it becomes effective when preceded by a 660 nm or 550 nm light flash. The results obtained are suggested to be due to light absorbed by phytochrome and an unknown photoreceptor with green, far-red photoreversal property.