The Role of Light Quality in Regulating Early Seedling Development

• Published in: Plants (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 14; p. 2746
• Main Authors: Wei, Yunmin, Wang, Shuwei, Yu, Dashi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.07.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Chemical properties; Circadian rhythm; Crop production; Electric lighting; Etiolation; Factories; Germination; Growth; Influence; Kinases; leaf development; Life cycles; Light quality; Lighting; Photomorphogenesis; Photoreceptors; Photosynthesis; Physiological aspects; Physiological effects; Physiology; Plant growth; Plants (botany); Production planning; Proteins; Review; Seed germination; seedling de−etiolation; Seedlings; Seeds; Senescence; shoot–root development; Spectral composition; Transcription factors; China; greenhouse horticulture; photomorphogenesis; light quality; seedling de−etiolation; shoot–root development; seed germination; leaf development
• ISSN: 2223-7747; 2223-7747
• DOI: 10.3390/plants12142746

It is well-established that plants are sessile and photoautotrophic organisms that rely on light throughout their entire life cycle. Light quality (spectral composition) is especially important as it provides energy for photosynthesis and influences signaling pathways that regulate plant development in the complex process of photomorphogenesis. During previous years, significant progress has been made in light quality's physiological and biochemical effects on crops. However, understanding how light quality modulates plant growth and development remains a complex challenge. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of light quality in regulating the early development of plants, encompassing processes such as seed germination, seedling de-etiolation, and seedling establishment. These insights can be harnessed to improve production planning and crop quality by producing high-quality seedlings in plant factories and improving the theoretical framework for modern agriculture.