Plants under Continuous Light: A Review

In this review an attempt has been made to analyze the results of the studies that explored the changes in the growth and development of plants exposed to continuous light published since the 1930s, including papers that are available in Russian only. Potential benefits of using a 24-h photoperiod for the production of greenhouse crops, transplant production in closed controlled environment systems and the culture of plants in controlled ecological life support systems are reviewed. Continuous lighting is shown to be a useful tool for speeding up the selection of crops. The mechanisms involved in a plant’s response to continuous light and causes of negative effects of continuous light (foliar chlorosis, limited or reduced plant growth and productivity) are discussed. Plant response to continuous light depends on plant tolerance and can be modified by alterations in temperature, light intensity, CO2 level, humidity, mineral nutrition and other environmental factors.

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