Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Acta Horticulturae

Issue

1134

Publisher

International Society for Horticultural Science

Publication Date

2016

First Page

1

Last Page

12

Abstract

We have characterized the effects of individual wavelengths of light on single leaf photosynthesis but we do not yet fully understand the effects of multi-wavelength radiation sources on growth and whole-plant net assimilation. Studies with monochromatic light by Hoover, McCree and Inada nearly a half century ago indicated that blue and cyan photons are used less efficiently than orange and red photons. Contrary to these measurements, studies in whole plants have found that photosynthesis often increases with an increasing fraction of blue photons. Plant growth, however, typically decreases as the fraction of blue photons increases above 5 to 10%. The dichotomy of increasing photosynthesis and decreasing growth reflects an oversight of the critical role of radiation capture (light interception) in the growth of whole plants. Photosynthetic efficiency is measured as quantum yield: moles of carbon fixed per mole of photons absorbed. Increasing blue light often inhibits cell division, cell expansion, and thus reduces leaf area. The thicker leaves have higher photosynthetic rates per unit area, but reduced radiation capture. This blue-light-induced reduction in photon capture is usually the primary reason for reduced growth in spite of increased photosynthesis per unit leaf area. This distinction is critical when extrapolating from single leaves to plant communities.

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