Chlorophyll a fluorescence illuminates a path connecting plant molecular biology to Earth-system science




Porcar-Castell Albert, Malenovský Zbyněk, Magney Troy, Van Wittenberghe Shari, Fernández-Marín Beatriz, Maignan Fabienne, Zhang Yongguang, Maseyk Kadmiel, Atherton Jon, Albert Loren P., Robson Thomas Matthew, Zhao Feng, Garcia-Plazaola Jose-Ignacio, Ensminger Ingo, Rajewicz Paulina A., Grebe Steffen, Tikkanen Mikko, Kellner James R., Ihalainen Janne A., Rascher Uwe, Logan Barry

PublisherNATURE PORTFOLIO

2021

Nature Plants

NATURE PLANTS

NAT PLANTS

7

8

998

1009

12

2055-026X

2055-0278

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-021-00980-4

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/66953972



Remote sensing methods enable detection of solar-induced chlorophyll a fluorescence. However, to unleash the full potential of this signal, intensive cross-disciplinary work is required to harmonize biophysical and ecophysiological studies.For decades, the dynamic nature of chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlaF) has provided insight into the biophysics and ecophysiology of the light reactions of photosynthesis from the subcellular to leaf scales. Recent advances in remote sensing methods enable detection of ChlaF induced by sunlight across a range of larger scales, from using instruments mounted on towers above plant canopies to Earth-orbiting satellites. This signal is referred to as solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) and its application promises to overcome spatial constraints on studies of photosynthesis, opening new research directions and opportunities in ecology, ecophysiology, biogeochemistry, agriculture and forestry. However, to unleash the full potential of SIF, intensive cross-disciplinary work is required to harmonize these new advances with the rich history of biophysical and ecophysiological studies of ChlaF, fostering the development of next-generation plant physiological and Earth-system models. Here, we introduce the scale-dependent link between SIF and photosynthesis, with an emphasis on seven remaining scientific challenges, and present a roadmap to facilitate future collaborative research towards new applications of SIF.

Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 20:08