Leaf and canopy optical properties of five winter crops in Maharashtra, India

Authors

  • David W. Lee Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
  • Sharad L. Patel ASPEE Agricultural Research and Development Foundation, P.O. Box 7602, Malad, Bombay 400064, India

Keywords:

Leaf optics, Light climates, R, FR, Castor bean, Hyacinth bean, Mustard, Pearl millet, Pigeon pea

Abstract

Leaf optical properties (diffuse transmittance and reflectance) were measured in five winter crops, castor bean, hyacinth bean, mustard, pearl millet and pigeon pea, in Maharashtra State, India. These measurements allowed calculations of the absorptance of photosynthetic radiation and radiant energy (350-1100 nm) by the leaves of the five crops. Light passing through these leaves is attenuated (3.4% of sunlight) and altered in spectral quality (a ratio at 660/730 nm of 0.041). These properties partly determine the light climates in the shade of crop canopies (7 .8% of sunlight for photosynthetic radiation and 660/730 nm of 0.444).

Issue

Section

Research Papers