Changes in leaf optical properties during tomato, common lamb's‐quarters, and redroot pigweed plant development

Abstract

AbstractLeaf optical properties influence the red/far‐red light ratio (a signal of potential inter‐plant interaction) in plant canopies, which could alter inter‐plant interactions among species. Differences in leaf optical properties of species comprising a mixed population have significant implications for plant–plant interaction. Leaf optical properties at red (660 nm) and far‐red (730 nm) lights for the third true leaf of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) and its two weeds common lamb's‐quarters (Chenopodium album L.) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) were compared during plant development. The results showed that optical properties of the third true leaf at 660 and 730 nm changed with plant development in common lamb's‐quarters, redroot pigweed, and tomato, and the three species differed in this regard. Red/far‐red ratios of reflected (Rratio) and transmitted (Tratio) lights also changed with plant development in all species. Rratio and Tratio were greater in redroot pigweed compared to common lamb'squarters and tomato. These ratios significantly related with chlorophyll content and leaf mass per area. These differences, usually neglected, could influence growth and intra‐ and/or inter‐species interactions in plant communities comprising these species. These results provide valuable information for understanding eco‐physiology and function of vegetation cover and could help in development of effective weed management strategies.