1.1 Introduction
Triticum aestivum is the most important crop in the world. Extensive extent and high adaptation of this plant as well as its diverse consumptions in the human nutrition lead to presented as the most important cereal in the world, especially in developing countries and it can provided 20 percent food resources of the world people (Farzi et al, 2010).
Light plays a key role in plant life, determining their photo-morphogenesis and photosynthesis rate (Avercheva et al., 2009). The sun emits the most of its radiation in the visible range, it covers the range of wavelength from 400-700nm (Kolawole, et al., 2010). The integration, quality, duration and intensity of red, far-red, blue, UV-A (320–500 nm) and UV-B (280–320 nm) light have a profound influence on plants by triggering physiological reactions to control their growth and development (Briggs et al., 2001; Briggs and Olney, 2001; Clouse, 2001).
LEDs are solid-state, long-lasting and durable sources of narrow-band light that can be used in a variety of horticultural and photo-biological applications (Stutte, 2009), including controlled research environments (Avercheva et al., 2009), lighting for tissue culture (Li et al., 2010) and supplemental and photoperiod lighting for greenhouses (Morrow, 2008). Because of their potential to be implemented in dynamic lighting strategies to control plant growth, development, physiological responses and production, it is important to learn more about the influence of light quality on these processes (Folta and Childers, 2008; Lefsrud et al., 2008; Massa et al., 2008). Receiving sunlight by the plants and using that in plant biomass indicates the fundamental processes which control the crop yield (Purcell et al., 2002). Hence, one of old methods in assessing plants yield is to measure the received light by the plant and calculate the yield in its transformation into dry matter (Cadersa and Govinden, 1999). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reception method by the plant ghosting is among the main determining factors in ghosting photosynthesis and crop yield (Stewart et al., 2003). On the other hand, studying the growth and various crops biomass density has shown that biomass production is dependent on leaf area index (LAI) and received light during the growth (Wolf et al., 2002, Yano et al., 2007, Asseng et al., 2004).
In other studies, the received light is calculated by measuring leaf area index (Bonhomme, 2000) and obtaining light receipt yield index or light depreciation coefficient or radiation extinction (Lindquist et al., 2005). Decrease in crop growth speed is attributed to the decrease in leave area index. Generally, leaf area index and dry weight are the main crop characteristics (Van Acker et al., 1993). There is a correlation between light absorption rate and soybean yield. Light penetration into soybean canopy leads into later lower canopy leaves fall and increase the seed yield (Shafiq et al., 2006). Leaf area index increases the soybean yield during procreation and especially during drain filling stage (Kaushal et al., 2006). Using starter fertilizers and nitrogen SARAK along with iron fertilizer could be effective during soybean initial growth and yield (Caliskan et al., 2008).
Egli et al (1985) claimed that new reproduction tanks formation continues during flowering stages to padding stage. Therefore, increase in crop growth rate could increase the yield, for it allocates the photosynthetic resources to them. Also, the growth experience in some grains has indicated that the total produced dry matter and yield are highly correlated to leaf area lasting (Husain et al, 1988). Mohammadi et al (2006) claimed that any agricultural action which increases the crop growth speed during grain filling stage and prolong the green textures in this stage, could lead to improving growth amount and grain weight in seed legumes. There has been a close correlation found between the yield and leaf area index in black eyed beans during ultimate stages of flowering (Turk and Hall, 1980).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problem of the Effect of Light Quality on the Structural Properties of Wheat Plants which entails that small intestine is unable to properly digest gluten, a protein that's found in grains. But wheat is being increasingly blamed for the onset of other health conditions, like obesity, heart disease, and a host of digestive problems, including the dramatic rise in celiac-like disorders (Seeker, 2021).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Effect of Light Quality on the Structural Properties of Wheat Plants in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To develop effective cultivation techniques of the plant, Effects of Different Light Quality on Growth, accumulation of total Triticum Aestivum and photosynthesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum) plant.
- To determine the Light Quality on the Structural Properties and it’s effect on Wheat Plants.
1.4 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Effect of Ligth Quality on the Structural Properties of Wheat Plants in Nigeria.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
