Abstract
Plants use diffuse light more efficiently than direct light, which is well established due to diffuse light penetrates deeper into the canopy and photosynthetic rate of a single leaf shows a non-linear response to the light flux density. Diffuse light also results in a more even horizontal and temporal light distribution in the canopy, which plays substantial role for crop photosynthesis enhancement as well as production improvement. Here we show some of the recent findings about the effect of diffuse light on light distribution over the canopy and its direct and indirect effects on crop photosynthesis and plant growth, and suggest some perspectives for further research which could strengthen the scientific understanding of diffuse light modulate plant processes and its application in horticultural production.
Highlights
Solar light is composed of a diffuse and a direct component
Diffuse light arises from the scattering of light by molecules or larger particles in the atmosphere and comes from many directions simultaneously; direct light arrives in a straight line from the sun without being scattered (Iqbal, 1983)
High light level usually leads to photosynthetic saturation and decrease in light use efficiency (LUE), which often occur under direct light condition
Summary
Solar light is composed of a diffuse and a direct component. Diffuse light arises from the scattering of light by molecules or larger particles in the atmosphere and comes from many directions simultaneously; direct light arrives in a straight line from the sun without being scattered (Iqbal, 1983). To investigate the effect of diffuse light on plant processes, many studies have been carried out by comparing plant responses on cloudy and clear days (Zhang et al, 2011; Urban et al, 2012); or by comparing the aftermath of volcanic and anthropogenic emissions (Gu et al, 2003; Mercado et al, 2009) Such type research implies a difference in the fraction of diffuse light, and large differences in light intensity, and the subsequent changes in microclimatic parameters such as air and soil temperature, and vapour pressure deficit (VPD). Diffuse glass has become available that increases the diffuseness of light without affecting light transmission in the greenhouse (Hemming et al, 2007, 2008, 2014)
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