Based on experimental findings described in the provided reference, no, black lights did not appear to help plants grow in a way that promoted flowering or pod production. Instead, the plants under black light showed significantly different growth patterns compared to a control group.
Understanding the Effect of Black Lights on Plant Growth
Black lights, also known as UV-A lights, emit ultraviolet radiation primarily in the UV-A range, along with some visible light. Plants require specific wavelengths of light for photosynthesis and development. While some UV light (specifically UV-B in controlled doses) can sometimes influence plant growth, structure, and defense mechanisms, UV-A's primary role in plant development is less direct and often related to photoreceptor activation (like cryptochromes and phototropins) that influence processes like phototropism (bending towards light) and circadian rhythms.
The experiment described in the reference observed the following results:
- Experimental Group (Black Light):
- Did not flower.
- Did not appear to grow any pods.
- Leaves were a lot thicker.
- Plants grew in a horizontal direction, intertwining.
- Controlled Group:
- Thinned out.
- Grew straight up.
- Grew longer roots (implied by contrast with the experimental group's horizontal growth).
- (Implied to have flowered and produced pods, based on the experimental group's lack thereof).
The experimental group receiving black light did not flower or appear to grow any pods. This indicates that under the conditions of this specific experiment, black light was not sufficient or appropriate lighting to support the reproductive stage of the plant's life cycle. Furthermore, the growth pattern was significantly altered: The leaves were a lot thicker and the plants grew in a horizontal direction intertwining with one another where as the controlled group thinned out and grew straight up with longer roots.
Comparative Summary of Findings
Here's a simple comparison based on the provided experimental description:
| Feature | Experimental Group (Black Light) | Controlled Group |
|---|---|---|
| Flowering | No | Yes (Implied) |
| Pod Production | No | Yes (Implied) |
| Leaf Thickness | Thicker | Normal (Implied) |
| Growth Direction | Horizontal, Intertwining | Straight Up |
| Root Length | Shorter (Implied) | Longer |
This specific experiment suggests that black light, on its own, does not support the standard growth cycle leading to flowering and fruiting (or pod production) and causes unusual vegetative growth patterns.
