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ABSTRACT: Plants use light as a source of energy in the process of photosynthesis. Different levels of luminosity cause physiological and morphological changes in the plant, and its success depends on its adaptation to these different levels. Light emitting diodes (LED) have been proposed as a light source in controlled environments. The present research evaluated physiological and morphological aspects in Eucalyptus benthamii (Myrtaceae) seedlings kept under different colors of LED lamps and submitted to water stress. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in which the treatments were defined as: T1 (control, with white light); T2 (blue light); T3 (red light) and T4 (mixed blue and red light). Red light resulted in the best response to most morphological variables in plant growth. In response to water stress, blue light LEDs resulted in a better seedling response, with slower reduction of photosynthetic rate and other variables. This may indicate the possibility of reducing water deficit damage in seedlings acclimated to blue light prior to field planting.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this paper was to test the effects of water deficit, saturation and salinity in individuals of Toona ciliata. Seven treatments were tested: the control group, the complete suspension of irrigation, the permanent saturation of the pot soil and four doses of NaCl (50, 100, 200 and 400 µmol). The experimental design was completely randomized, with 8 repetitions in each treatment. Physiologic evaluations were carried out during the experiment, and morphologic evaluations at the end. The plants were responsive to the applied stresses comparatively to the control group. Reductions were observed in morphological and physiological variables in all treatments under stress. All individuals under stress recovered slightly in the end of the experiment, and began to sprout again, representing a probable adaptation to the conditions.