Effects of Light Intensity on Plant Growth
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of varying light intensities on the growth rate of Phaseolus vulgaris
(common bean). Plants were exposed to three light conditions: low (100 µmol/m²/s), medium (500
µmol/m²/s), and high (1000 µmol/m²/s). Growth parameters, including stem height and leaf area, were
measured over 30 days. Results indicate that medium light intensity significantly enhances growth, while
high intensity causes photoinhibition. These findings suggest optimal light conditions for maximizing plant
productivity.
Introduction
Light is a critical factor influencing plant photosynthesis and growth. Previous studies suggest that light
intensity affects chlorophyll production and biomass accumulation (Smith et al., 2020). This experiment
aims to quantify the effects of light intensity on Phaseolus vulgaris growth, hypothesizing that moderate
light levels optimize growth metrics.
Methods
Phaseolus vulgaris seeds were planted in 10 cm pots with standard potting soil. Ninety plants were divided
into three groups (n=30 per group) and exposed to light intensities of 100, 500, and 1000 µmol/m²/s using
LED grow lights. Plants were watered daily and maintained at 25°C. Stem height and leaf area were
measured weekly using a ruler and digital imaging software. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a
significance threshold of p<0.05.
Results
Plants under 500 µmol/m²/s exhibited the highest growth, with an average stem height of 25.4 ± 2.1 cm and
leaf area of 120.5 ± 10.2 cm² after 30 days. The low-intensity group (100 µmol/m²/s) showed reduced
growth (stem height: 15.2 ± 1.8 cm; leaf area: 80.3 ± 8.5 cm²), while the high-intensity group (1000
µmol/m²/s) displayed signs of photoinhibition, with yellowing leaves and reduced metrics (stem height:
18.7 ± 2.0 cm; leaf area: 90.1 ± 9.0 cm²). ANOVA confirmed significant differences (p<0.01).
Discussion
The results support the hypothesis that moderate light intensity (500 µmol/m²/s) optimizes Phaseolus
vulgaris growth, likely due to balanced photosynthetic rates. High light intensity caused photoinhibition,
reducing growth efficiency, consistent with Jones (2019). Low light limited photosynthesis, stunting
development. Future studies could explore nutrient interactions under varying light conditions.
References
• Smith, J., et al. (2020). Light intensity and plant productivity. Journal of Plant Science, 45(3), 123-
130.
• Jones, R. (2019). Photoinhibition in high-light environments. Plant Physiology, 88(2), 56-62.