Light-capture efficiencies of Soybean in low light intensity

Abstract

This research was conducted to study soybean light-capture efficiencies in low light intensity (LLI), based on morphological, physiological characters and ultrastructure of chloroplast. LLI levels were conditioned using paranet 50% and dark room for certain period of time (short and long term LLI exposure). LLI tolerant (Ceneng, Pangrango) and sensitive soybean genotype (Godek, Slamet) were used. The result showed that in low light intensity, soybean adjust light– capture efficiencies by increasing leaf area, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll content, anthocyanin and reducing the ratio of chlorophyll a/b, stomata density and leaf thickness. Tolerant genotype, Ceneng, showed more adapted to LLI than sensitive genotype indicated by higher leaf area, leaf thickness, chlorophyll content, ratio of chlorophyll a/b, anthocyanin and well developed stack grana. Keyword: tolerant genotype, sensitive genotype, light-capture efficiencies