The diel rhythm of leaf growth and cell proliferation in capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Relationship between the diel leaf growth of capsicum and proliferative activity of cells has been investigated using a computer-aided image analysis. It has been established the leaf growth pattern observed in this species allows to refer it to the second type of growth of dicotyledons, which is characterized by the maximum growth rate in the evening or at the beginning of the night. A DNA cytometry study of leaf cells shows that their proliferative activity is also higher at night than during the day. This suggests that the diel rhythm of capsicum leaf growth is due to the synchronization of cell cycle with a lighting.