Induction of plant disease resistance and other physiological responses by green light illumination

Abstract

Research on lighting as part of integrated pest management (IPM) has been attracting attention recently. This chapter presents the authors’ research regarding the effects of green light on defense reaction in plants against plant pathogens, such as the induction of disease resistance in plants, endogenous production of antibacterial substances, and reinforcement of cell walls through elevation of the levels of lignin which is a main component of cell walls. This chapter also shows how green light, which had generally been regarded as having little use in plants, is effective not only in disease control but also in spider mite suppression, promotion of plant growth, and increase in functional substances. It describes how the authors developed green LED light sources for disease resistance induction and conducted experiments on major horticultural crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, perillas, and garlic chives, considering their economic benefits and practicality.