Artificial-Light Culture in Protected Ground Plant Growing: Photosynthesis, Photomorphogenesis, and Prospects of LED Application

Plasticity of plants' morphology enables them to successfully adapt to environmental conditions. Energy necessary for development and response to stresses is supplied by photosynthesis; that is why the plants must efficiently intercept and assimilate light radiation. The main photosynthetic organ is the leaf, whose structure has evolved for the most efficient utilization of sunlight, and the system of photoreceptors governs the response to the intensity and quality of illumination and triggers different signal pathways; this affects plants' growth, development, and morphogenesis. Numerous investigations were focused on the response of various plant species to monochrome and multispectral types of radiation and to the intensity and duration of lighting. Development of light diode technologies makes it possible to improve the production of crops in conditions of protected ground. An important advantage of light diodes is associated with an opportunity to flexibly manage light characteristics in order to optimize plant morphogenesis during growth, increase crop yield and the quality of products, as well as reduce energy consumption.