Effects of shading on physiological characteristics of Bletilla striata.

Abstract

Bletilla striata is a ground cover plant that thrives in cool, humid environments. It has potential horticultural and ecological applications that can benefit from optimising outdoor cultivation techniques by understanding its light requirements and adaptive mechanisms. This study examined the impact of different shading levels on the growth and photosynthetic responses of B. striata . The results showed moderate shading improved growth, increased chlorophyll content, and reduced oxidative stress. Seasonal variation in water availability also influenced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly during periods of reduced water supply. Moreover, moderate shading enhanced photosynthetic performance by increasing the electron transport rate (ETR), photochemical quenching (qP), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), effectively mitigating photoinhibition. In summary, moderate shading enhances the growth and stress tolerance of B. striata , establishing a scientific foundation for improving cultivation practices in horticultural and ecological contexts.