RADIATION PENETRATION IN CANOPIES OF BARLEY CULTIVARS ISOGENIC FOR COLOR

Abstract

Light transmission and visible and net radiation profiles were measured for two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars and their isogenic lines differing in color (chlorophyll content of the leaves). Differences in radiation penetration through canopies were greater between cultivars than among isogenic lines. Differences in transmission by light of different wavelengths were observed through individual leaves, but not through canopies. Visible and net radiation distribution in the canopies differed. Relating radiation-distribution data to the distance from soil surface was more sensitive in detecting population differences than was relating them to cumulative leaf area index.