Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Rapid Analysis of Circadian Phenotypes in Arabidopsis Protoplasts Transfected with a Luminescent Clock Reporter
Published on: September 17, 2016
Circadian Considerations for Controlled Environment Agriculture: Rethinking Time in Indoor Horticultural Systems
Ingrid Lindeman1, Catrin S Günther1, Soledad Perez Santangelo2
1Physiological Chemistry team, Biological Chemistry and Bioactives, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd, Bisley Rd, Kirikiriroa Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) allows horticultural production all year round by precisely controlling environmental inputs, including temperature, light quality, light intensity and photoperiod. Light and temperature are key regulators of the circadian clock, which coordinates plant physiological and metabolic processes with predictable day-night cycles. A shift from reliance on natural environmental inputs towards precision environmental control has fostered the emergence of environmental regimes operating beyond typical diurnal cycles in CEA. This review summarises current evidence on how photocycles and thermocycles influence plant growth, development, and metabolism in CEA systems. It evaluates how dynamic changes in light intensity, spectral quality, and temperature can enhance productivity, reduce energy costs, and maintain circadian entrainment. It highlights strategies that integrate chronobiology with horticultural practices and outlines research priorities needed to optimise diurnal environmental management in CEA. We recommend practices that leverage the circadian clock as a central framework to enhance crop performance under CEA conditions by linking molecular chronobiology with applied horticulture through targeted temporal management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Bioreactor Controls-I
