Brian Capon

“A rainbow’s spectacle reveals that sunlight is composed of several colors.
Of these, red and blue are captured by chlorophyll, whereas carotene and
xanthophylls intercept only the blue-green part of the visible spectrum. At
In autumn-colored leaves, chlorophyll molecules break down, unmasking the yellow
carotene and xanthophylls. Some leaves, such as those of liquidambar (left), turn red
when anthocyanin pigments add the final touch to the tree’s colorful spectacle.
The inherited color patterns of leaf variegation result from the various pigments occurring
separately or in combinations in mesophyll cells. Shown here are striped inch plant
wavelengths represented by these colors, the energy of light is transferred,
via the pigments, into the synthesis of foods.
Artificial illumination is only effective if it provides the blue and red
wavelengths absorbed by chloroplast pigments. Ideally, incandescent bulbs,
which radiate abundant red, should be supplemented with selected fluorescent
tubes radiating blue wavelengths. To achieve photosynthetic yields
comparable to those in natural conditions, several lights are needed to provide
high intensities, but care must be taken to control the build-up of heat.”
― Brian Capon, Botany for Gardeners

“The suction of transpirational pull places water under tension in the
xylem of an actively transpiring plant. Thus, when stems are cut, air is
drawn into the exposed vessels and blocks the flow of water. In the garden,
flower stems should always be cut longer than desired, and recut to the correct
length while holding the stems under water. If the stems are then
quickly transferred to a vase, the transpiration stream continues uninterrupted,
without the blossoms wilting. Scissor-type pruning shears or a
sharp knife should be used to make clean cuts so the ends of the xylem vessels
remain open.”
― Brian Capon, Botany for Gardeners