Manipulation of Light - A Futuristic Approach to Adjust Growth, Physiology, Nutrient Uptake and Yield Of Crops for Future Food Security Under Changing Climate

Globalization and technological advances have brought both challenges and opportunities to plant growth processes. The light spectrum contains various wavelengths and compositions, which play a critical role in the physiological development and yield of plants. Fluctuating light conditions trigger rapid molecular changes in plants, potentially impacting photosynthesis and crop quality. With advances in artificial plant lighting, cell imaging tools, and molecular biology, researchers can now explore the effects of light on plants at the cellular and genetic levels, providing insights into optimizing growth and addressing agricultural challenges. Modern technology empowers farmers to finely manage light in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Artificial lighting, sunlight manipulation, and hybrid systems offer essential photons for photosynthesis, ensuring a consistent energy supply to plants regardless of natural light availability. Emerging data highlight the pivotal role of light in plant growth and morphology, but the precise mechanisms governing nutrient absorption remain elusive. This review explores the influence of light on crop development, yield, nutrient absorption, and utilization in agricultural and horticultural crops, offering insights to enhance crop production, optimize fertilizer efficiency and maintain global food security under changing climate.