Eco-physiological Responses of Artificial Night Light Pollution in Plants

• Published in: Russian journal of plant physiology 2019-03, Vol.66 (2), p.190-202
• Main Authors: Singhal, R. K., Kumar, M., Bose, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carbon dioxide; Ecological effects; Ecosystems; Emitters; Environmental changes; Environmental effects; Environmental impact; Flowering; Germination; Life cycles; Life Sciences; Light; Light pollution; Light sources; Microhabitats; Night; Organic light emitting diodes; Physiological responses; Physiology; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Plants (botany); Pollination; Pollution; Reviews; Sustainable development; Technology
• ISSN: 1021-4437; 1608-3407
• DOI: 10.1134/S1021443719020134

Early in the 20th century, disparate human developmental processes culminate excess artificial light during night time and distort the phenological, physiological and ecological responses, which are sustained in the plants, animals and microorganism from millions of years. Earlier studies regarding artificial light (AL) during the night predominantly covered the drastic effects on animal systems. Although, drastic effects of AL during night time are enormous; therefore, the present topic is focused on the physiological and ecological consequences of artificial night light pollution (ANLP) on plant systems. In these consequences, most of the plant processes under ANLP are affected intensely and cause compelling changes in plant life cycle from germination to maturity. However, severe effects were observed in the case of pollination, photoreceptor signalling, flowering and microhabitats of plants. Along with drastic effects on ecology and environments, its relevance to human developmental processes cannot be avoided. Therefore, we need to equipoise between sustainable environment and steadily human development processes. Further, selection of plant/crop species, which are more responsive to ANLP, can minimize the ecological consequences of night light pollution. Likewise, changing artificial nightscape with the implication of new LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) lightening policies like UJALA ( www.ujala.gov.in ), which are low cost, more durable, eco-friendly and less emitter of CO 2 , have potential to overcome the biodiversity threats, which arise due to old artificial lightening technology from decades. Hence, adopting new advance artificial lightening technology and understanding its impact on plant ecosystem will be a future challenge for plant biologist.