Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Sarcandra glabra and Ardisia crenata under Different Light Intensity

We need to look into optimal light intensity of evergreen broad-leaved trees in order to ornamental value of plants growing indoors becausedifferent kinds of them have a difference of light intensity. This study was conducted to evaluate the shade tolerance with shading treatment by analyzing the growth and physiological responses of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai and Ardisia crenata Sims, which have been considered to have potentials to grow as indoor-cultivated ornamental trees. The shading treatments were regulated with shading rations of full sunlight, and 35%, 50%, 95% of full sunlight. As a result of surveying growth under different shading rations, H/D ratio and T/R ratio of S. glabrai and A. crenata under shading treatment were higher than full sunlight. The total leaf area (cm 2 ) of S. glabra was observed to increasing by 50% shading. A. crenata showed the highest at 95% shading. S. glabrai and A. crenata under 95% shading would lower the L＊a＊b value and turn a leaf color into dark green, and the chlorophyll content was significantly decreased. The leaf color of both of these trees were determined to have a sensitive reaction to light intensity. The photosynthetic capacity of S. glabra and A. crenata were respectively the greatest at 50% shading or 95% shading, and the light compensation point of both of these trees was the lowest at 50% and 95% shading. Although it was indicated that 50% shading is suitable for S. glabrai and A. crenata to grow healthy, they actively responded to low light intensity of 95% shading as well, confirming that they have shade tolerance. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that S. glabrai and A. crenataare appropriate as indoor ornamental tree. Keywords: H/D ratio, Seedling Quality Index (SQI), Shade tolerance, Total leaf area, T/R ratio