EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON THE PHOTOSYNTHETIC EFFICIENCY OF TOMATO PLANTS

Abstract

The tomato stands foremost among the several vegetable plants which are cultivated as greenhouse crops. In its culture under glass, especially in the northern states, the question of sufficient light for its best developmiient and highest productivity arises and becomes acute. The light of the natural day, during the winter months, appears to be inadequate with respect to its duration and also to its ordinary intensity. Certainly photosynthesis is one of the most fundamental processes which condition plant behavior and production, and light is a major factor in its dynamic complex. Neglecting the characteristics of light, other than its intensity, how is its intensity related to the rate, the so-called efficieney, of photosynthesis? More particularly, what is this relationship respecting the tomato plant, when grown under greenhouse conditions? A study of thisiniduced by the desire to extend the knowledge disclosed by investigations already made and reported-was completed and is herein presented.