Impact of low light stress on morphological and growth behavior of early, medium and late rice genotypes (Oryza Sativa L.)

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of normal and low light conditions on the anthesis, flowering, maturity, and growth parameters of different rice genotypes (Oryza sativa L.). The results demonstrate that low light intensity delays flowering initiation and extends the duration to 50% and 100% flowering, with variations across early, medium, and late genotypes. The time to maturity also increases under low light conditions, while plant height, number of leaves, and tillers per hill show significant changes. Specifically, low light stress enhances plant height but reduces leaf and tiller numbers, likely due to impaired photosynthesis. These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that low light negatively impacts growth and development by limiting energy production for vegetative and reproductive processes.