The sensitivity of herbaceous plants to light Pollution

Abstract

Plants living near street lights in temperate zones are good examples of the effect of light pollution with a marked shift in leaf fall and bud breaking. Low intensity light (light pollution) is not sufficient for photosynthesis, but can cause changes in many physiological processes, moreover, it can have a disrupting effect on the plant and its connected ecosystem. In this study, physiological effects of light pollution on leaf morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthesis were investigated in the herbaceous species Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Fallopia x bohemica (Chrtek et Chrtková) J.P. Bailey under conventional HPS and LED illumination. In our experience, HPS lamps supported the photosynthetic activity of the studied species, the growth of palisade tissue cells. Light pollution of LED lamps reduced net photosynthesis in both species compared to non-light-polluted leaves.