Scientists tested different colored shade nets on tuberose flowers to see how they affect plant growth and health. They found that using green and blue shade nets helped plants absorb more nutrients like potassium and nitrogen compared to plants in full sunlight. Green shade nets were especially helpful, making flowers about 20% larger than flowers grown in direct sun. The shade nets also helped reduce stress chemicals that build up in plants during hot, dry weather. While all the shade nets improved some aspects of flower quality, green shade nets worked best overall for growing beautiful, healthy flowers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different colored shade nets (green, blue, and white) affect the growth, size, and health of tuberose flowers compared to growing them in full sunlight.
  • Who participated: Tuberose plants (a type of flowering plant used in cut flowers) grown under different colored shade nets in a controlled growing environment. The specific number of plants tested was not stated in the research.
  • Key finding: Green shade nets produced the largest flowers, with blooms about 20% bigger than those grown in full sun. Plants under green and blue shade nets also absorbed more nutrients, especially potassium and nitrogen, which are important for healthy growth.
  • What it means for you: If you grow flowers commercially or as a hobby, using green shade nets during hot or dry weather may help you grow larger, healthier flowers with better nutrient content. This is most relevant for people growing tuberose flowers or similar ornamental plants in warm climates.

The Research Details

Researchers grew tuberose plants under four different conditions: full sunlight (control group) and three different colored shade nets (green, blue, and white). They measured how well the plants grew, how much nutrients the plants absorbed, and various chemical markers of plant health. The shade nets work by filtering sunlight and changing which colors of light reach the plants, similar to how colored glasses change what you see.

The scientists measured multiple aspects of plant health including flower size, stem thickness, number of flowers produced, nutrient levels in the leaves, and special chemicals that indicate plant stress. This comprehensive approach helped them understand not just whether shade nets help, but which color works best and why.

Climate change is making summers hotter and drier in many parts of the world, which stresses plants and reduces flower quality. Finding simple, affordable solutions like colored shade nets could help farmers and gardeners protect their plants without expensive equipment. Understanding which color works best helps people make smart choices about which nets to buy.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected scientific journal, which suggests the research met high standards for quality. However, the study did not clearly state how many plants were tested, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results are. The fact that researchers measured many different plant health indicators (not just one thing) strengthens the findings. The lack of specific sample size information is a notable limitation for evaluating the study’s statistical power.

What the Results Show

Green shade nets produced the most impressive results, increasing flower diameter by about 20.75% compared to plants grown in full sunlight. White shade nets showed the smallest improvement at 9.66%, while blue shade nets fell in between. This means green shade nets made flowers noticeably larger and more attractive.

Plants grown under green and blue shade nets absorbed higher levels of important nutrients. Potassium levels reached 2.78%, nitrogen reached 2.02%, and phosphorus reached 0.14% in these plants. However, the differences between the shade net colors were not large enough to be considered statistically significant, meaning the differences could partly be due to chance.

The shade nets also affected plant stress levels. A chemical called proline, which plants produce when they’re stressed by heat or drought, was significantly reduced in all shade net treatments. Plants in full sunlight had the highest proline levels, indicating they experienced more stress. Additionally, plants under green and white shade nets showed higher levels of protective chemicals called peroxidase and photosynthetic pigments (the chemicals that make plants green and help them use sunlight).

Interestingly, the shade nets did not improve all aspects of flower growth. Stem diameter (thickness), spike length (the length of the flower cluster), the total number of flowers produced, and the dry weight of plants and flowers were not significantly improved by any of the shade treatments. This suggests that while shade nets help flowers become larger and healthier, they don’t necessarily make plants produce more flowers or grow thicker stems.

This research builds on existing knowledge that colored light filters can help plants grow better in stressful conditions. Previous studies have shown that different colors of light affect plant growth differently, and this study confirms that green light is particularly beneficial for ornamental flowers. The finding that shade nets reduce plant stress (measured by proline levels) aligns with the theory that protecting plants from extreme heat and sun exposure helps them stay healthier.

The study did not clearly report the total number of plants tested, making it difficult to assess how confident we should be in the results. The research focused only on tuberose flowers, so the results may not apply to other types of plants. The study was conducted in a controlled growing environment, which may not perfectly match real-world conditions where weather varies more. Additionally, the study did not measure how long the benefits lasted or whether the shade nets affected the flowers’ lifespan after being cut.

The Bottom Line

For commercial flower growers and serious gardeners growing tuberose or similar ornamental flowers in hot or dry climates, using green shade nets appears to be a practical, affordable way to improve flower size and plant health. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study showed clear benefits but had some limitations in reporting. Blue shade nets may also be helpful as a second choice. White shade nets showed the smallest benefits and may be less worthwhile. The shade nets should be used during the hottest, driest parts of the year when plants are most stressed.

This research is most relevant for: commercial flower growers who sell cut flowers, gardeners in hot or dry climates, and people growing tuberose flowers specifically. Home gardeners growing other types of flowers may see some benefits but shouldn’t expect the same results. People in cool, mild climates with regular rainfall may not need shade nets at all. Anyone considering this should first check if shade nets are practical and affordable in their situation.

Shade nets should provide benefits relatively quickly—likely within weeks of installation during the growing season. Flowers grown under green shade nets showed about 20% larger blooms, which would be noticeable within one to two growing cycles. However, the long-term effects and whether benefits continue year after year were not studied.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using shade nets, track weekly measurements of flower diameter (width across the bloom) and count the number of flowers produced. Compare these measurements between plants under different shade nets and plants in full sun to see which performs best in your specific location.
  • Users can implement a simple shade net system during their hottest growing season, starting with green shade nets based on this research. They should monitor plant health weekly by checking for signs of stress (wilting, discoloration) and measuring flower size to determine if the shade nets are helping.
  • Create a simple tracking system that records: (1) shade net color used, (2) average flower diameter weekly, (3) number of flowers produced, (4) visible plant health (color, wilting), and (5) weather conditions (temperature, rainfall). Compare results across growing seasons to determine the best shade net strategy for your specific climate and location.

This research specifically studied tuberose flowers under controlled conditions and may not apply to all plant types or growing environments. Results from controlled studies may differ from real-world conditions with variable weather and soil types. Before making significant changes to your growing practices or purchasing shade nets, consult with local agricultural extension services or horticulturists familiar with your specific climate and plants. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or horticultural advice. Individual results may vary based on local conditions, plant varieties, and growing practices.