Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an expanding environmental issue, particularly in urban areas. This review aimed to present the state of the art regarding the impact of ALAN on specific and interrelated aspects related to physiological processes and life cycle events in tree species. The reviewe...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Urban Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/1/14 |
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| author | Luisa Friulla Laura Varone |
| author_facet | Luisa Friulla Laura Varone |
| author_sort | Luisa Friulla |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an expanding environmental issue, particularly in urban areas. This review aimed to present the state of the art regarding the impact of ALAN on specific and interrelated aspects related to physiological processes and life cycle events in tree species. The reviewed studies highlighted the multifaceted effects of artificial light on plants, offering insights and perspectives to guide future research in this evolving and stimulating field. ALAN disrupts circadian rhythms, alters photoperiodic responses, and affects photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in phenology such as delayed senescence and altered budburst timing demonstrated species-specific responses, often compounded by other urban stressors like heat and drought. Despite an increased interest, knowledge gaps remain concerning the species-specific responses and the effects of light spectra as well as the long-term consequences on tree physiology. These gaps highlight the need for integrated research approaches and urban planning strategies to mitigate ALAN effects, ensuring the resilience of urban trees and preserving ecosystem services in the context of growing urbanization and climate change. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5f2413ec3f0b40818c8bea191b02c537 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2413-8851 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Urban Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-5f2413ec3f0b40818c8bea191b02c5372025-01-24T13:51:35ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-01-01911410.3390/urbansci9010014Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A ReviewLuisa Friulla0Laura Varone1Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyArtificial light at night (ALAN) is an expanding environmental issue, particularly in urban areas. This review aimed to present the state of the art regarding the impact of ALAN on specific and interrelated aspects related to physiological processes and life cycle events in tree species. The reviewed studies highlighted the multifaceted effects of artificial light on plants, offering insights and perspectives to guide future research in this evolving and stimulating field. ALAN disrupts circadian rhythms, alters photoperiodic responses, and affects photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in phenology such as delayed senescence and altered budburst timing demonstrated species-specific responses, often compounded by other urban stressors like heat and drought. Despite an increased interest, knowledge gaps remain concerning the species-specific responses and the effects of light spectra as well as the long-term consequences on tree physiology. These gaps highlight the need for integrated research approaches and urban planning strategies to mitigate ALAN effects, ensuring the resilience of urban trees and preserving ecosystem services in the context of growing urbanization and climate change.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/1/14high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS)light-emitting diode lamps (LED)plant phenologyplant physiologyphotopollutionurban vegetation |
| spellingShingle | Luisa Friulla Laura Varone Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review Urban Science high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) light-emitting diode lamps (LED) plant phenology plant physiology photopollution urban vegetation |
| title | Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review |
| title_full | Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review |
| title_fullStr | Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review |
| title_short | Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review |
| title_sort | artificial light at night alan as an emerging urban stressor for tree phenology and physiology a review |
| topic | high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) light-emitting diode lamps (LED) plant phenology plant physiology photopollution urban vegetation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/1/14 |
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