Advances in Plant Photobiology: From Signal Perception to Physiological Outcomes

Plant photobiology is a rapidly advancing field dedicated to understanding how plants sense, interpret, and respond to the ever-changing spectrum of environmental light. As immobile life forms, plants rely on a sophisticated network of photoreceptors and signaling cascades to detect variations in light quantity, quality, direction, and duration, thereby orchestrating complex physiological and developmental responses. While major progress has been made in elucidating the genetic and molecular underpinnings of plant light perception—including the discovery of new photoreceptors, light-regulated genes, and intricate crosstalk with circadian systems—fundamental questions persist. Central debates focus on the molecular integration of diverse light cues across different cellular compartments, the translation of these signals into coordinated organismal adaptation, and the degree to which light-driven mechanisms can be leveraged for real-world improvements in agriculture.Recent investigations have yielded significant breakthroughs, such as the characterization of new signal transduction modules, insights into light-dependent regulation of immunity and stress adaptation, and the use of optogenetic approaches for precise manipulation of light responses. Cutting-edge research continues to unravel the ways light interacts with other environmental factors and shapes plant plasticity under diverse conditions. Nevertheless, the dynamic interplay between light signaling, organellar communication, and environmental stress remains incompletely understood, especially when considering integration at the whole-plant and ecosystem levels. Moreover, bridging fundamental discoveries with practical applications remains a notable challenge, calling for robust quantitative and mechanistic approaches rather than solely descriptive or empirical studies.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative platform to advance the understanding of plant photobiology, spanning the molecular mechanisms of light perception, signaling integration, and applied innovations in crop improvement. We seek contributions that uncover the mechanisms by which plants decode and integrate diverse light signals, examine impacts on physiological and developmental processes, and explore technological advances—both at the molecular and quantitative levels—for engineering superior plant responses. Emphasis is placed on studies that move beyond mere empirical cataloging, instead presenting clear mechanistic, modeling-driven, or translational frameworks for light-driven plant improvement.We welcome articles that address, but are not limited to, the following themes: • Light signaling pathways and discovery of novel photoreceptors • Crosstalk between light perception and the circadian clock • Modulation of plant architecture and developmental plasticity by light • Impacts of light quality and quantity on cellular and physiological functions • Interaction of light signaling with abiotic and biotic stress responses • Mechanisms of intra- and inter-organelle communication modulated by light • Roles of light in plant immunity and defense regulation • Optogenetic tools and methods for dissecting plant light responses • Quantitative modeling of photoreceptor action and artificial light environment design • Mechanistically driven strategies to optimize plant morphology, productivity, and quality in controlled environments • Translational applications targeting crop improvement via manipulation of light perception, signaling, or environmental conditions Topic editors: Yun Kong, Tae In Ahn Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77808/advances-in-plant-photobiology-from-signal-perception-to-physiological-outcomes