Interception of solar radiation
The amount of radiation intercepted by the crop during the growing season depends on the amount of incident radiation and the ability of the crop to intercept it. The total amount of incident radiation to which the crop is exposed may be increased by changing the developmental response of the crop, so that the duration of the growing season may be longer. This has to take into account that anthesis should occur at the optimum time for a particular location. Such a trait has, however, already been optimized for most regions and crops23. Optimizing the interception of solar radiation by the canopy is an important component of biomass production. This is influenced by rate of development of leaf area, so as to achieve full light interception more quickly. After attaining full light interception by canopy, leaf area duration is important. Conventional breeding and agronomic practices together have contributed considerably in increasing the interception of solar radiation. Light interception is close