Light interaction with plants

As a commercial farmer, you are probably aware of the significance of light in greenhouse farming and its impact on both growth (photosynthesis) and development (plant shape). Without enough quantity of light, crops won’t photosynthesize, i.e., they’ll be unable to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and chemical energy (glucose). The chemical energy from photosynthesis produces plant food, which is responsible for plant growth. And without the proper spectrum (color mix), plants will not have the desired shape or morphology.

But how do plants interact with light? There are three main types of interaction: absorption, reflection, and emission. What does each of them mean in the context of plants? How do they differ from each other? We’ll answer these questions in this article, along with the role of UbiGro films in enhancing plant growth.

Reflected light

To explain how plants reflect light and the type of light they reflect, it helps to understand why plant tissue is green in the first place. An essential chemical known as chlorophyll is responsible for the green hue of leaves and plants. What is the role of this chemical in green plants? 

Chlorophyll absorbs solar light energy and converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen; it is the main ingredient behind photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is referred to as an essential pigment because it is the only pigment capable of taking in light energy and transforming it into chemical energy. Among its various roles are:

• absorbing and trapping solar radiation within the plant
• aiding in the production of carbohydrates, which are essential for the plant as a whole, and
• facilitating the uptake and assimilation of soil minerals.

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Photo: UbiGro

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