Fiber optic studies of light gradients and spectral regime within Lactuca sativa achenes

Light gradients and spectral regime were measured in Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids achenes using fiber optic microsensors. The distribution of scattered light across lettuce achenes was linear for 660 and 730 nm and non-linear for 450 nm light. Spectra for scattered light within intact achenes also showed a non-linear increase with wavelength. The preferential attenuation of blue light by the pericarp and seed explains in part the relative ineffectiveness of blue light with respect to red in triggering germination of lettuce. Calculated action spectra for phytochrome-stimulated germination agree closely in the red with experimentally derived action spectra; however, there is little agreement within the blue.