Soybean Architecture Plants: From Solar Radiation Interception to Crop Protection

Abstract

The soybean plant architecture in relation to better solar radiation interception and pro‐ duction gain is an aspect that requires a better understanding, since soybean is an impor‐ tant crop worldwide. The genetic traits, management and environmental conditions are points that further extend the range of issues on crop productivity. The light quality is measured by the red/far‐red (R/FR) ratio (R ∼ 660 nm, FR ∼ 730 nm). This affects the plant growth and morphological developments in different ways. The plant leaves change their angle during the day to better intercept radiation. This heliotropic movement and some computational models together have been used to enhance some agricultural prac‐ tices. Soybean plant is dependent on the interaction between genotype and environment. Thus, the enhanced understanding in relation to photosynthetic activity, grain yield by light interception efficiency and culture protection managements in soybean are covered.