How plant architecture affects light absorption and photosynthesis in tomato: towards an ideotype for plant architecture using a functional–structural plant model

Abstract

At high light intensities (summer) deeper penetration of light in the canopy improves crop photosynthesis, but not at low light intensities (winter). In particular, internode length and leaf shape affect the vertical distribution of light in the canopy. A new plant ideotype with more spacious canopy architecture due to long internodes and long and narrow leaves led to an increase in crop photosynthesis of up to 10 %.

Agronomic performance of mini-tomato hybrids from dwarf lines

“…Furthermore, shorter internodes did not change the stem diameter of the hybrids, which averaged 10.1 mm. Shorter internodes change the capacity of the tomato plant to absorb light and perform photosynthesis (Sarlikioti et al, 2011), thereby interfering in the production of photoassimilates and consequently, availability in sink regions. Therefore, it follows that some of the photoassimilates that might have supported internode growth or a stem diameter, instead supported tomato growth.…”

Investigating the influence of geometrical traits on light interception efficiency of apple trees: A modelling study with MAppleT

“…Moreover, large leaves also mean more biomass and therefore more bending of branches which bring more leaves under the overlaps (independently from the relatively larger effect of fruit biomass on branch bending). Because internodes are the primary support minimizing leaf overlap, the large influence of internode length on plant light interception has also been underlined in other plant species [33][34][35].…”

Development of dual purpose sorghum: correlation and path-coefficient analysis of grain yield and stem sugar traits

“…This could mean that the many leaves were competing with the head for photo-assimilates and implies that breeding for high grain yield can be achieved indirectly through breeding for reduced leafiness to optimum levels. However, these optimum levels have to be established for each cultivar because it is logical that differences in plant architecture (including height) and environmental conditions result in varying photosynthetic levels and efficiencies (Sarlikioti et al, 2011).…”