Light Intensity Affects the Coloration and Structure of Chimeric Leaves of <i>Ananas comosus</i> var<i>. bracteatus</i>

Ananas comosus var. bracteatus is an important ornamental plant because of its green/white chimeric leaves. The accumulation of anthocyanin makes the leaf turn to red especially in the marginal part. However, the red fades away in summer and winter. Light intensity is one of the most important factors affecting leaf color along the seasons. In order to understand the effects of light intensity on the growth and coloration of the chimeric leaves, Ananas comosus var. bracteatus was grown under full sunlight, 50% shade and 75% shade for 75 days to evaluate the concentration of pigments, the color parameters (values L*, a*, b*) and the morpho-anatomical variations of chimeric leaves. The results showed that a high irradiance was beneficial to keep the chimeric leaves red. However, prolonged exposure to high irradiance caused a damage, some of the leaves wrinkled and even burned. Shading instead decreased the concentration of anthocyanin and increased the concentration of chlorophyll, especially in the white marginal part of the leaves. Numerous chloroplasts were observed in the mesophyll cells of the white marginal part of the chimeric leaves under shading for 75 days. The increase in chlorophyll concentration resulted in a better growth of plants. In order to balance the growth and coloration of the leaves, approximately 50% shade is suggested to be the optimum light irradiance condition for Ananas comosus var. bracteatus in summer.     

Analyzing photosynthetic activity and growth of Solanum lycopersicum seedlings exposed to different light qualities

To investigate how light quality influences tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) seedlings, we examined changes in plant growth, chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthetic parameters and some photosynthesis-related genes expression levels. For this, tomato plants were grown under different light qualities with the same photosynthetic photon flux density: red (R), blue (B), yellow (Y), green (G) and white (W) lights. Our results revealed that, compared with plants grown under W light, the growth of plants grown under monochromatic lights was inhibited with the growth reduction being more significant in the plants grown under Y and G lights. However, the monochromatic lights had their own effects on the growth and photosynthetic function of tomato seedlings. The plant height was reduced under blue light, but expression of rbcS, rbcL, psbA, psbB genes was up-regulated, and the ΦPSII and electron transport rate (ETR) values were enhanced. More starch grains were accumulated in chloroplasts. The root elongation, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), NPQ and rbcS and psbA genes expression were promoted under red light. Yellow light- and green light-illuminated plants grew badly with their lower Rubisco content and Pn value observed, and less starch grains accumulated in chloroplast. However, less influence was noted of light quality on chloroplast structure. Compared with yellow light, the values of ΦPSII, ETR, qP and NPQ of plants exposed to green light were significantly increased, suggesting that green light was beneficial to both the development of photosynthetic apparatus to some extent.     

光质对植物光合作用的调控及其机理

光合作用是植物生长发育的基础.光质对植物光合作用的调控主要包括可见光对植物气孔器运动、叶片生长、叶绿体结构、光合色素、D1蛋白及其编码基因和光合碳同化等的调节,以及紫外光对植物光系统Ⅱ的影响.蓝光和红光能促进气孔的开张,而绿光能够逆转这种作用.蓝光有利于叶绿体的发育,红、蓝、绿复合光有利于叶面积的扩展,而红光更有利于光合产物的积累;不同光质对不同植物、不同组织器官叶绿素积累的影响不同.蓝光和远红光可以促进psbA基因转录物质的积累.大多数高等植物和绿藻在橙、红光下光合速率最高,蓝紫光其次,绿光最低.紫外光可以导致光系统Ⅱ的电子传递活性下降.此外,针对光质与光合作用研究领域中存在的问题,对今后的研究方向进行了讨论.     

AM Fungi and <i>Piriformospora indica</i> Improve Plant Growth of <i>Pinus elliottii</i> Seedlings

Pinus elliottii is an exotic afforestation pine extensively distributed in southern parts of China. In order to understand whether endophytic fungi can affect seedling growth of P. elliottii, Piriformospora indica (Pi), Funnelifcrmis mosseae (Fm), and Diversispora tortuosa (Dt) were inoculated respectively, and the non-inoculated group was set as control. The growth indexes, the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein, and plant endogenous hormone levels in the leaves of P. elliottii, were analyzed. The results showed that Fm, Dt and Pi colonized the P. elliottii roots to form mycorrhizal structure and chlamydospores arranged in beads respectively. Three fungal inoculants exhibited the stimulated growth responses, whilst Dt illustrated the most positive effect on plant height, single fresh weight, trunk diameter and root system structure, compared with the control. On the other hand, the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents were increased distinctively in mycorrhizal plants. The endogenous IAA, GA3, ZR contents were increased, while the ABA contents were reduced in mycorrhizal plants versus non-mycorrhizal plants. The fungi-induced endogenous hormone changes triggered plant growth improvement of P. elliottii seedlings. This research unraveled the positive effect of AM fungi and P. indica on growth of pine seedlings, while, more application of endophytic fungi to fields needs to be explored.     

Cloning and Characterization of <i>EuGID1</i> in <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i> Oliver

Gibberellic acid controlled the key developmental processes of the life cycle of landing plants, and regulated the growth and development of plants. In this study, a novel gibberellin receptor gene EuGID1 was obtained from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. The cDNA of EuGID1 was 1556 bp, and the open reading frame was 1029 bp, which encoded 343 amino acids. EuGID1 had the homology sequence with the hormone-sensitive lipase family. Amino acid sequence alignment confirmed EuGID1 protein had the highest homology with the GID1 protein of Manihot esculenta. EuGID1 was located in the nucleus and cell membrane and had expression in four plant organs. Overexpression of EuGID1 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants promoted plant elongation and increased siliques yield.     

Combination of Red and Blue Lights Improved the Growth and Development of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Seedlings by Regulating Photosynthesis

The photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, and photoperiod processes in plants are regulated according to light intensity and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different light qualities on eggplant seedlings and determine the best light quality for growth. The seedlings of eggplant cultivar ‘Jingqiejingang’ were grown under light-emitting diodes (LEDs): white (W, the control), red (R), blue (B), and different ratios of B/R lights (B/R = 1/1, B/R = 1/3, B/R = 1/6, B/R = 1/9). The growth parameters, leaf morphology, photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the leaves of eggplant seedlings under different LED light treatments were studied. The results showed that the plant height, leaf development, and photosynthetic characteristics were inhibited by red light but elevated by blue light compared with the control. Conversely, the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids were all increased by red light, while decreased by blue light significantly. In addition, the contents of carbohydrates and the activities of nitrogen assimilation enzymes were not or little changed by the monochromatic blue and red light. The combined light of red and blue were more beneficial for growth than the monochromatic light, especially B/R = 1/3 light. Under B/R = 1/3 light, the parameter values of plant growth, leaf development, photosynthetic pigments and characteristics, and carbon and nitrogen metabolism were all maximum. Taken together, combined application lights of red and blue are good practice for the cultivation of eggplant seedlings, and LED B/R = 1/3 light was optimum.

     

不同波长光照对罗汉果光合及生长影响

罗汉果试管苗在不同波长的LED(半导体)蓝(475±5nm)、黄(585±5nm)、红(660±5nm)及普通日光灯下培养,25d后观测发现,其外观的优劣依次为:蓝光>白光>红光>黄光;植株重量:蓝光>红光>黄光>白光;蓝光和白光下的植株叶大、色绿,植株矮壮,侧芽多;红光和黄光下的植株叶小、色黄绿,植株高、细、弯曲、节间长。测定罗汉果成熟叶片的吸收光谱,发现在波长380~500nm及660~680nm处有较强吸收。不同的光质下测定成熟叶片光合速率,大小依次为:红光>蓝光>白光>黄光。上述的各项试验表明,蓝光对罗汉果幼苗生长发育最好;红光和蓝光为成熟叶片光合作用的最佳光源。     

Biochemical and Physiological Responses of <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> Leaves to Moderate Mechanical Stimulation

Mechanical stimulation of plants can be caused by various abiotic and biotic environmental factors. Apart from the negative consequences, it can also cause positive changes, such as acclimatization of plants to stress conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the response of plants to mechanical stimulation. Our aim was to evaluate the response of model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to a moderate force of 5 N (newton) for 20 s, which could be compared with the pressure caused by animal movement and weather conditions such as heavy rain. Mechanically stimulated leaves were sampled 1 h after exposure and after a recovery period of 20 h. To study a possible systemic response, unstimulated leaves of treated plants were collected 20 h after exposure alongside the stimulated leaves from the same plants. The effect of stimulation was assessed by measuring oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity, total phenolics, and photosynthetic performance. Stimulated leaves showed increased lipid peroxidation 1 h after treatment and increased superoxide dismutase activity and phenolic oxidation rate after a 20-h recovery period. Considering photosynthetic performance after the 20-h recovery period, the effective quantum yield of the photosystem II was lower in the stimulated leaves, whereas photochemical quenching was lower in the unstimulated leaves of the treated plants. Nonphotochemical quenching was lower in the stimulated leaves 1 h after treatment. Our study suggested that plants sensed moderate force, but it did not induce pronounced change in metabolism or photosynthetic performance. Principal component analysis distinguished three groups–leaves of untreated plants, leaves analysed 1 h after stimulation, while stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants analysed 20 h after treatment formed together the third group. Observed grouping of stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants could indicate signal transduction from the stimulated to distant leaves, that is, a systemic response to a local application of mechanical stimuli.     

Effects of light quality on the chloroplastic ultrastructure and photosynthetic characteristics of cucumber seedlings

To understand how light quality influences plant photosynthesis, we investigated chloroplastic ultrastructure, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters, Rubisco and chlorophyll content and photosynthesis-related genes expression in cucumber seedlings exposed to different light qualities: white, red, blue, yellow and green lights with the same photosynthetic photon flux density of 100 μmol m^?2 s^?1. The results revealed that plant growth, CO₂ assimilation rate and chlorophyll content were significantly reduced in the seedlings grown under red, blue, yellow and green lights as compared with those grown under white light, but each monochromatic light played its special role in regulating plant morphogenesis and photosynthesis. Seedling leaves were thickened and slightly curled; Rubisco biosynthesis, expression of the rca, rbcS and rbcL, the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and quantum yield of PSII electron transport (Ф_PSII) were all increased in seedlings grown under blue light as compared with those grown under white light. Furthermore, the photosynthetic rate of seedlings grown under blue light was significantly increased, and leaf number and chlorophyll content of seedlings grown under red light were increased as compared with those exposed to other monochromatic lights. On the contrary, the seedlings grown under yellow and green lights were dwarf with the new leaves etiolated. Moreover, photosynthesis, Rubisco biosynthesis and relative gene expression were greatly decreased in seedlings grown under yellow and green light, but chloroplast structural features were less influenced. Interestingly, the Fv/Fm, Ф_PSII value and chlorophyll content of the seedlings grown under green light were much higher than those grown under yellow light.     

ACCLIMATION OF THE PHOTOSYNTHETIC APPARATUS OF PALMARIA PALMATA (RHODOPHYTA) TO LIGHT QUALITIES THAT PREFERENTIALLY EXCITE PHOTOSYSTEM I OR PHOTOSYSTEM II1

Acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus to light absorbed primarily by phycobilisomes (which transfer energy predominantly to photosystem II) or absorbed by chlorophyll a (mainly present in the antenna of photosystem I) was studied in the macroalga Palmaria palmata L. In addition, the influence of blue and yellow light, exciting chlorophyll a and phycobilisomes, respectively, ivas investigated. All results were compared to a white light control. Complementary chromatic adaptation in terms of an enhanced ratio of phycoerythrin to phycocyanin under green light conditions was observed. Red light (mainly absorbed by chlorophyll a) and green light (mainly absorbed by phycobilisomes) caused an increase of the antenna system, which was not preferentially excited. Yellow and blue light led to intermediate states comparable to each other and white light. Growth was reduced under all light qualities in comparison to white light, especially under conditions preferably exciting phycobilisomes (green light-adapted algae had a 58% lower growth rate compared to white light-adapted algae). Red and blue light-adapted algae showed maximal photosynthetic capacity with white light excitation and significantly lower values with green light excitation. In contrast, green and yellow light-adapted algae exhibited comparable photosynthetic capacities at all excitation wavelengths. Low-temperature fluorescence emission analysis showed an increase of photosystem II emission in red light-adapted algae and a decrease in green light-adapted algae. A small increase of photosystem I emission teas also found in green light-adapted algae, but this was much less than the photosystem II emission increase observed in red light-adapted algae (both compared to phycobilisome emission). Efficiency of energy transfer from phycobilisomes to photosystem II was higher in red than in green light-adapted algae. The opposite was found for the energy transfer efficiency from phycobilisomes to photosystem I. Zeaxanthin content increased in green and blue light-adapted algae compared to red, white, and yellow light-adapted algae. Results are discussed in comparison to published data on unicellular red algae and cyanobacteria.     

Development of a New Cold-Tolerant Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) Germplasm Using the <i>ICE1</i> Gene from <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>

To develop cold-tolerant maize germplasms and identify the activation of INDUCER OF CRT/DRE-BINDING FACTOR EXPRESSION (ICE1) expression in response to cold stress, RT-PCR was used to amplify the complete open reading frame sequence of the ICE1 gene and construct the plant expression vector pCAMBIA3301-ICE1-Bar. Immature maize embryos and calli were transformed with the recombinant vector using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformations. From the regenerated plantlets, three T1 lines were screened and identified by PCR. A Southern blot analysis showed that a single copy of the ICE1 gene was integrated into the maize (Zea mays L.) genomes of the three T1 generations. Under low temperature-stress conditions (4°C), the relative conductivity levels decreased by 27.51%–31.44%, the proline concentrations increased by 12.50%–17.50%, the malondialdehyde concentrations decreased by 16.78%–18.37%, and the peroxidase activities increased by 19.60%–22.89% in the T1 lines compared with those of the control. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the ICE1 gene was ectopically expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves of the T1 lines. ICE1 positively regulates the expression of the CBF genes in response to cold stress. Thus, this study showed the successful transformation of maize with the ICE1 gene, resulting in the generation of a new maize germplasm that had increased tolerance to cold stress.     

Effects of Light Quality on the Interaction between Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Nicotiana tabacum

Light is an important environment factor controlling plant growth, development, and nutritional quality and is also one of the most important factors inducing plant defence. In this study, we assayed the potential effects of light quality on the interaction between Nicotiana tabacum and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Our results indicated that white light‐treated N. tabacum plants displayed obvious symptoms at early stage postinoculation, while the symptoms were significantly inhibited under red light and blue light. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses showed that blue light and red light can effectively delay the replication of CMV compared with white light. The activities of various reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging enzymes and reducing substances [reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (ASA)] were increased under blue light and red light. In addition, hormone measurements and qRT‐PCR analyses revealed that salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated signalling pathway plays positive role in the related regulation, and cytokinin (CTK) may also participate in them. Furthermore, we found that the formation of dark green islands (DGIs) was significantly suppressed in plants under red light and blue light at 30 days postinoculation (Dpi). However, the accumulation of virus in plants under different light conditions had no notable differences at later stage of postinoculation. Taken together, these results indicated that red light and blue light could effectively delay symptom expression and replication of CMV on N. tabacum at the relatively earlier stage postinoculation.     

Plasticity of photosynthetic processes and the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants in response to monochromatic light environments: A review

Light spectra significantly influence plant metabolism, growth and development. Here, we review the effects of monochromatic blue, red and green light compared to those of multispectral light sources on the morpho-anatomical, photosynthetic and molecular traits of herbaceous plants. Emphasis is given to the effect of light spectra on the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which are important bioactive phytochemicals that determine the nutritional quality of vegetables. Overall, blue light may promote the accumulation of phenylpropanoid-based compounds without substantially affecting plant morpho-anatomical traits compared to the effects of white light. Red light, conversely, strongly alters plant morphology and physiology compared to that under white light without showing a consistent positive effect on secondary metabolism. Due to species-specific effects and the small shifts in the spectral band within the same color that can substantially affect plant growth and metabolism, it is conceivable that monochromatic light significantly affects not only plant photosynthetic performance but also the “quality” of plants by modulating the biosynthesis of photoprotective compounds.     

Study of the beneficial effects of green light on lettuce grown under short‐term continuous red and blue light‐emitting diodes

Red and blue light are the most important light spectra for driving photosynthesis to produce adequate crop yield. It is also believed that green light may contribute to adaptations to growth. However, the effects of green light, which can trigger specific and necessary responses of plant growth, have been underestimated in the past. In this study, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was exposed to different continuous light (CL) conditions for 48 h by a combination of red and blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) supplemented with or without green LEDs, in an environmental‐controlled growth chamber. Green light supplementation enhanced photosynthetic capacity by increasing net photosynthetic rates, maximal photochemical efficiency, electron transport for carbon fixation (J_PSII) and chlorophyll content in plants under the CL treatment. Green light decreased malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ accumulation by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) after 24 h of CL. Supplemental green light significantly increased the expression of photosynthetic genes LHCb and PsbA from 6 to 12 h, and these gene expressions were maintained at higher levels than those under other light conditions between 12 and 24 h. However, a notable downregulation of both LHCb and PsbA was observed during 24 to 48 h. These results indicate that the effects of green light on lettuce plant growth, via enhancing activity of particular components of antioxidative enzyme system and promoting of LHCb and PsbA expression to maintain higher photosynthetic capacity, alleviated a number of the negative effects caused by CL.     

Participation of Auxin Transport in the Early Response of the <i>Arabidopsis</i> Root System to Inoculation with <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i>

The potential of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been demonstrated in the case of plant inoculation with bacteria of the genus Azospirillum which improves yield. A. brasilense produces a wide variety of molecules, including the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as other phytoregulators. However, several studies have suggested that auxin induces changes in plant development during their interaction with the bacteria. The effects of A. brasilense Sp245 on the development of Arabidopsis thaliana root were investigated to help explain the molecular basis of the interaction. The results obtained showed a decrease in primary root length from the first day and remained so throughout the exposure, accompanied by a stimulation of initiation and maturation of lateral root primordia and an increase of lateral roots. An enhanced auxin response was evident in the vascular tissue and lateral root meristems of inoculated plants. However, after five days of bacterization, the response disappeared in the primary root meristems. The role of polar auxin transport (PAT) in auxins relocation involved the PGP1, AXR4-1, and BEN2 proteins, which apparently mediated A. brasilense-induced root branching of Arabidopsis seedlings.     

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of Ethanol Extracts from <i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> Georgi and <i>Magnolia officinalis</i> against <i>Phytophthora nicotianae</i>

Phytophthora nicotianae causes substantial economic losses in most countries where tobacco is produced. At present, the control of P. nicotianae mainly depends on chemical methods, with considerable environmental and health issues. We investigated the effects of ethanol extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) and Magnolia officinalis (MO). On mycelial growth, sporangium formation, and zoospore release of P. nicotianae. Both extracts inhibited the growth of P. nicotianae, with mycelial growth inhibition rates of 88.92% and 93.92%, respectively, at 40 mg/mL, and EC50 values of 5.39 and 5.74 mg/mL, respectively. The underlying mechanisms were the inhibition of sporangium formation, the reduction of zoospore number, and the destruction of the mycelium structure. At an SBG extract concentration of 16.17 mg/mL, the inhibition rates for sporangia and zoospores were 98.66% and 99.39%, respectively. At an MO extract concentration of 2.87 mg/mL, the production of sporangia and zoospores was completely inhibited. The hyphae treated with the two plant extracts showed different degrees of deformation and damage. Hyphae treated with SBG extract showed adhesion and local swelling, whereas treatment with MO extract resulted in broken hyphae. Mixture of the extracts resulted in a good synergistic effect.     

The effect of light quality on leaf production and development of in vitro-cultured plants of Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntze

We investigated the influence of light quality on the leaf development of Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntze (Amaranthaceae) grown in vitro. Growth parameters including specific leaf mass, thickness, and leaf density were lowest in plants grown under red light. Blue light induced the largest number of leaves/plant, and the largest thickness and area of the leafblade. Green and red lights induced the smallest leaf areas. The thickness of the abaxial-face epidermis and spongy parenchyma of the plants was significantly reduced in plants grown under red light. The thickness of the palisade parenchyma and upper epidermis were significantly increased in plants grown under blue light, compared to the other fluorescent-light treatments. The specific spectral band also influenced the differentiation of mesophyll cells. In the dark and under red light, the mesophyll was homogenous; and in the dark and under green light, the leaves were more compact. Under blue light, the cells displayed the characteristic palisade morphology. The results showed that the increase of a specific parenchyma type was related to a specific spectral band. All spectral-quality treatments reduced the numbers of stomata and trichomes. The results for green light were in some respects similar to those for red light, and in other respects similar to those for blue light, probably because phytochromes and cryptochromes are green-light receptors. This study indicated that Alternanthera plants have strong morphological plasticity induced by light. The results suggest that high-quality Alternanthera can be achieved by culturing the plants in vitro under a combination of blue and red light.     

Mycorrhizal Fungal Effects on Growth,Antioxidant Capacity,and Medicine Quality of <i>Paris polyphylla</i> var. <i>yunnanensis</i>

A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of two commercial strains composed of mulple arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species on plant growth, antioxidant capacity, and medicine quality of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in three subtropical soils from Wanzhou, Anshun and Baoshan in fields. The results showed that AMF inoculation enhanced the fungal colonization rate and activities of both succinate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, thereby, enhancing the mycorrhizal viability of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. The concentrations of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, a+b and carotenoids), soluble sugar, soluble protein and photosynthetic capacity were higher in AMF-inoculated plants than in non-AMF-treated plants in field. AMFtreated plants recorded higher activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and caused the reduction in malondialdehyde content, indicating lower oxidative damage, compared with non-AMF plants. Polyphyllin I, Polyphyllin II, Polyphyllin III, Polyphyllin IV and total polyphyllin contents were increased by AMF treatment. In conclusion, AMF improved the plant growth, antioxidant capacity and medicinal quality of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedlings. Hereinto, AMF effects on the soil from Wanzhou was relatively greater than on other soils.     

Green light: a signal to slow down or stop

Light has a profound effect on plant growth and development. Red and blue light best drive photosynthetic metabolism, so it is no surprise that these light qualities are particularly efficient in advancing the developmental characteristics associated with autotrophic growth habits. Photosynthetically inefficient light qualities also impart important environmental information to a developing plant. For example, far-red light reverses the effect of phytochromes, leading to changes in gene expression, plant architecture, and reproductive responses. Recent evidence shows that green light also has discrete effects on plant biology, and the mechanisms that sense this light quality are now being elucidated. Green light has been shown to affect plant processes via cryptochrome-dependent and cryptochrome-independent means. Generally, the effects of green light oppose those directed by red and blue wavebands. This review examines the literature where green light has been implicated in physiological or developmental outcomes, many not easily attributable to known sensory systems. Here roles of green light in the regulation of vegetative development, photoperiodic flowering, stomatal opening, stem growth modulation, chloroplast gene expression and plant stature are discussed, drawing from data gathered over the last 50 years of plant photobiological research. Together these reports support a conclusion that green light sensory systems adjust development and growth in orchestration with red and blue sensors.