THE POWER OF BLUE LIGHT: INCREASING CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT IN EARLY STAGES OF AVOCADO (PERSEA AMERICANA MILL) SEEDLINGS

Abstract This study investigates the impact of blue light exposure on the chlorophyll content of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) seedlings during their early growth stages. As the global demand for avocados increases, the need for efficient propagation of healthy seedlings has become critical. Chlorophyll, a vital pigment involved in photosynthesis, plays a key role in seedling growth and overall plant vigor. This research explores the use of LED lights, specifically blue light, to enhance chlorophyll production in avocado seedlings, potentially accelerating seedling growth and improving their health. The experiment was conducted in a nursery in Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon, where seedlings were exposed to three different artificial light treatments: red, blue, and white light, alongside a control group receiving natural sunlight. The study employed a 4 x 3 split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), measuring chlorophyll content using a FieldScout CM 1000 Chlorophyll Meter. Results showed that blue light exposure significantly increased chlorophyll content in avocado seedlings compared to other treatments, with the highest chlorophyll levels recorded in the blue light group. This effect was most pronounced in the Evergreen cultivar, which demonstrated the highest chlorophyll content across all treatments. The red and white light treatments also showed improvements in chlorophyll content, though to a lesser extent than blue light. The findings suggest that blue light exposure can be an effective method for enhancing chlorophyll production and promoting healthier, more vigorous avocado seedlings, offering a valuable tool for improving avocado propagation practices in nursery settings.