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A device to estimate the light gradients relevant to phototropism in the laboratory and the field
Author(s) -
Firn Richard D.,
Digby John
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1995.tb00868.x
Subject(s) - phototropism , irradiance , light field , light intensity , compass , biological system , blue light , biology , environmental science , physics , optics , quantum mechanics
An apparatus has been devised to measure the irradiance falling on a central point from each of 48 points of the compass. The apparatus has been used to estimate the magnitude and spatial distribution of light gradients in a variety of situations which are known to cause phototropism. Measurements show that the typical laboratory treatments used to induce phototropism produce extreme light gradients which are not typical of the light gradients likely to be experienced by seedlings growing in the natural environment. Diffuse light which is always present in the natural environment, ensures that all flanks of seedlings will be subject to potentially physiologically significant light stimulation. Such findings need to be taken into account when devising and testing models of phototropic detection in plants.