Project Material on THE EFFECT OF LIGHT QUALITY ON THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF WHEAT PLANTS
THE EFFECT OF LIGHT QUALITY ON THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF WHEAT PLANTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Light is an essential factor that profoundly influences the growth and development of plants. As autotrophs, plants rely on light energy to drive photosynthesis, the process by which they convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. However, light is not only crucial for energy production but also serves as an environmental signal that regulates various physiological processes in plants, including seed germination, leaf expansion, flowering, and root development.
One key aspect of light that significantly impacts plants is its quality, which refers to the spectral composition of light. Sunlight consists of a broad spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR), with different colors representing different wavelengths within the visible range. Each wavelength or color of light affects plants differently, and understanding the specific effects of light quality on plant growth and development is of great importance in optimizing crop production.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the world's most important staple crops, providing a significant portion of the global food supply. Improving wheat productivity is essential to meet the increasing demands of a growing population. Consequently, understanding the influence of light quality on the structural properties of wheat plants can offer valuable insights into enhancing crop yields and optimizing cultivation practices.
Several studies have explored the effects of light quality on plant growth and development, particularly in model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana. These investigations have revealed that different light qualities, such as red, blue, and far-red light, elicit distinct physiological responses in plants. Red light, characterized by a wavelength of around 660 nm, has been found to