ABSTRACT
Photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is captured by the plant canopy and transformed into chemical energy, is the key to dry matter production and hence to yield of crop plants. All crop production that ultimately depends on photosynthesis [1] in turn depends on (1) the size and spatial orientation of light intercepting green area, (2) the duration of this area in active state, and (3) the specific rate of photosynthesis per unit green area [2]. The capture and use of solar energy by plants occur at different organizational levels and are influenced by various environmental factors whose effects can be ameliorated by genetically variable elements.
