Fig. 10 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 10

From: Shade tolerance is associated with foliar adaptations, improved radiation use efficiency, and photosynthetic rate in rice

Fig. 10

Mechanistic model of shading stress in rice agro-systems. (a) Cloud cover reduces the red:far-red (R:FR) light ratio, triggering canopy shading (CSh) and self-shading (SSh). (b) Shading attenuates red light critical for photosynthesis across leaf layers (FL to 4L), especially under dense planting. (c) This creates vertical light gradients, leading to reduced stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthesis (PN), electron transport rate (ETR), and photochemical quenching (qP). Chlorophyll a/b ratio decreases, Fv/Fm increases, and Rubisco activase expression declines. (d) These changes lower apparent quantum yield (AQE), CO₂ availability, and energy regeneration, reducing PN, carbon gain, biomass, and grain yield.

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