Effects of Photopollution on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Reproductive Success in Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, and Tagetes erecta

Photopollution, or light pollution, disrupts natural light cycles and adversely affects plant health. This study examines the impact of high-intensity artificial light on Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, and Tagetes erecta. Results show significant reductions in growth parameters, photosynthesis rates, and seed production under artificial light compared to natural light. Specifically, the average height of Arabidopsis thaliana decreased from 30.5 cm to 20.1 cm, Zea mays from 150.2 cm to 110.3 cm, and Tagetes erecta from 45.6 cm to 35.2 cm. Photosynthesis rates also dropped for all species: Arabidopsis thaliana from 12.5 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1 to 9.5 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-i, Zea mays from 24.0 μmol Co₂ m^-2 s^-1 to 19.2 μmol Co₂ m^-2 s^-1, and Tagetes erecta from 18.3 μmol Co₂ m^-2 s^-1 to 14.5 μmol Co₂ m^-2 s^-1. Flowering times were delayed: Arabidopsis thaliana from 30 to 45 days, Zea mays from 60 to 80 days, and Tagetes erecta from 40 to 55 days. Seed production decreased for all species under high-intensity artificial light: Arabidopsis thaliana from 250 to 150 seeds, Zea mays from 500 to 300 seeds, and Tagetes erecta from 1000 to 600 seeds. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of photopollution on plant growth, photosynthesis, flowering, and reproduction.