Reflected far-red light effects on chlorophyll and light-harvesting chlorophyll protein (LHC-II) contents under field conditions

• Published in: Plant physiology (Bethesda) 1989-11, Vol.91 (3), p.800-803
• Main Authors: Bradburne, J.A. (Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA), Kasperbauer, M.J, Mathis, J.N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; chlorophyll; CHLOROPHYLLE; Chlorophylls; CLOROFILAS; COLOR; Colors; Communications; COULEUR; CRECIMIENTO; CROISSANCE; Development and Growth Regulation; Economic plant physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM; Leaves; light; light-harvesting protein; LUMIERE; LUZ; MANTILLO; MULCH; Mulches; Net assimilation, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism. Photorespiration, respiration, fermentation (anoxia, hypoxia); Nutrition. Photosynthesis. Respiration. Metabolism; Optical reflection; Plants; PROPIEDADES OPTICAS; PROPRIETE OPTIQUE; Seedlings; Soil color; Sunlight; Visible spectrum
• ISSN: 0032-0889; 1532-2548
• DOI: 10.1104/pp.91.3.800

The influence of various colors of soil cover (mulch) on the far-red/red (FR/R) ratio in upwardly reflected light and on concentrations of chlorophyll (Chl) and light-harvesting Chl protein (LHC-II) were measured under field conditions. The FR/R ratios above green surfaces were higher than over white surfaces. Even though plants (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv PD-1) were grown in full sunlight, those that received higher FR/R ratios in upwardly reflected light were taller and had thinner leaves with higher concentrations of Chl and LHC-II. A controlled environment experiment showed FR/R control of Chl and LHC-II concentrations. The results illustrate the importance of spectral distribution of reflected light on plant growth and a potential means of altering the chemistry of leaf crops under field conditions