Response to directional light by leaves of a sun-tracking lupine (Lupinus succulentus)

Experiments were done to examine the phototrophic response of sun-tracking leaves of Lupinus succulentus Dougl. to fixed beams of white and broad band light. Upon irradiation with 15 W m⁻² white light that struck the laminae at an angle of 45°, there was a 45–60 min lag period prior to leaf movement. The greatest rate of movement was 15° h⁻¹, and reorientation ceased when leaves attained a position within 15° of perpendicular to the light beam. Laminar movement was largely pulvinar, and a 60 min inductive light treatment was sufficient to activate a maximum pulvinar response in subsequent darkness. Light striking the lamina at angles between 20 and 70° induced similar maximum pulvinar responses and only light that struck the upper (adaxial) leaf surface was effective. Leaf tracking was fully activated by blue light but not by red or yellow light.