Abstract: The effects of different light spectral energy distribution of light-emitting diode (LED) on growth of Ilex chinensis Sims plantlets in vitro were studied. Fluorescent light was used as the control. The results showed that, plantlets under red LED exhibited the highest dry mass, rooting rate, root/shoot rate and root length, but blue LED had the contrary effects. Green LED was suitable for leave growth. However, monochromic red LED induced abnormal growth, poor root vigor and least survival rate. Compared with fluorescent light, complex of LED showed the obvious advantages on energy efficiency, dry mass, carbohydrate contents, SOD and CAT activities. The results indicated that application of complex of LED could improve antioxidant capacity and environment adaptable of Ilex chinensis Sims plantlets in vitro. which got stronger and survival rate were higher than those under fluorescent.

Key words: light spectral energy distribution, light-emitting diode (LED), Ilex chinensis Sims, plantlets in vitro