Effect of low light intensity on photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthates in groundnut

Groundnut plants were exposed to varying light intensities ranging from 20 per cent to full sun light at different stages of growth and the effect on photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthates were studied. Decrease in light intensity either continuously or at any stages of crop growth reduced the photosynthetic rate. Re-exposure to natural light caused a post-illumination burst in the rate of photosynihesis which depended upon the amount of shade before the exposure to full sun light. Decrease in light intensity also decreased the assimilate translocation to the pods. Maximum reduction in translocation occured when the plants were exposed to low light intensity at peak pod developmental stage which resulted in low pod yield. It is therefore suggested that low light intensity at pod developmental stage would severely affect the pod yield in groundnut due to both decrease in photosynthesis as well as reduced translocation of assimilates to the pods.