The effect of monochromatic red light on ethylene production in leaves of Impatiens balsamina L. and other species

The effect of red and white light on ethylene production was investigated in several plant species. In most cases light inhibited ethylene production. However, stimulation or no effect were also observed in a few species. In those plants where light inhibited ethylene synthesis, the effect of red light was much stronger than that of white light.Both red and white light inhibited ethylene production in green and etiolated seedlings and green leaves of Impatiens balsamina L. The inhibitory effect of red light was stronger than that of white light and much more pronounced when the plants were pretreated with ACC. The effect of red light could be reversed by far-red light. These results suggest that light affects the ethylene forming enzyme (EFE) activity and that its action is mediated by phytochrome.