The puzzling phenomenon of trees flourishing under street lights: Unraveling the effects of artificial roadside night lighting on ecosystems

Paper Details

Case Study 10/09/2024
Views (548)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

The puzzling phenomenon of trees flourishing under street lights: Unraveling the effects of artificial roadside night lighting on ecosystems

S. Venkataraman, Srinivasan Padmanaban, B. Rajeswari
Int. J. Biosci. 25(3), 244-247, September 2024.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2024; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of trees thriving under street lights, presenting observations from an educational institution’s campus. Trees, naturally illuminated by streetlights, exhibit robust growth without deliberate human intervention. Such adaptation challenges conventional understanding of circadian rhythms and highlights the resilience of urban ecosystems. The unexpected symbiosis between street lights and trees underscores the need for re-evaluation in urban planning strategies, emphasizing sustainable cohabitation between human infrastructure and nature. Understanding the intricate relationship between artificial lighting and plant development offers opportunities for enhancing urban greenery and mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on ecosystems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and optimize lighting strategies for urban sustainability.

Bennie J, Davies TW, Cruse D, Gaston KJ. 2016. Ecological effects of artificial light at night on wild plants. Journal of Ecology 104(3), 611-620. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12551

Dalle Carbonare L, Basile A, Rindi L, Bulleri F, Hamedeh H, Iacopino S, Shukla V, Weits DA, Lombardi L, Sbrana A, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Giuntoli B, Licausi F, Maggi E. 2023. Dim artificial light at night alters gene expression rhythms and growth in a key seagrass species (Posidonia oceanica). Scientific Reports 13, 10620. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37261-3

Davies TW, Bennie J, Inger R, Gaston KJ. 2013. Artificial light alters natural regimes of night-time sky brightness. Science Reports 3, 1722. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep01722

Gaston KJ, Visser ME, Hölker F. 2015. The biological impacts of artificial light at night: the research challenge. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 370, 20140133. https://doi.org/10.1098%2Frstb.2014.0133

Liu L, Sun C, Wang L, Li B, Jin C, Lin X. 2021. Melatonin: A master regulator of plant development and stress responses. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology 63, 126–145. https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.12993

Longcore T, Rich C. 2004. Ecological light pollution. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 2, 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1890/1540-9295(2004)002[0191:ELP]2.0.CO;2

Yang J, Song J, Jeong BR. 2022. Lighting from top and side enhances photosynthesis and plant performance by improving light usage efficiency. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23(5), 2448. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052448

Related Articles

Sensory evaluation of horn snail (Telescopium telescopium) patty

Ma. Isabel P. Lanzaderas, Gilbert P. Panimdim, Proceso C. Valleser Jr.*, Int. J. Biosci. 28(2), 7-16, February 2026.

Two years evolution of deltamethrin, malathion and pirimiphos-methyl resistance in Aedes aegypti from urban in peri urban sites of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Hyacinthe K. Toe*, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Soumananaba Zongo, Aboubacar Sombie, Athanase Badolo, Int. J. Biosci. 28(2), 1-6, February 2026.

Physicochemical characterization of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana) sold in Ouagadougou and their oils extracted using chemical processes

Mah Alima Esther Traoré*, Adama Lodoun, Pingdwindé Marie Judith Samadoulougou-Kafando, Nestor Beker Dembélé, Kiswendsida Sandrine Léticia Dayamba, Charles Parkouda, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 169-178, January 2026.

Inventory of african yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms) diversity in some Yoruba areas of Benin

Orobiyi Azize*, Faton Manhognon Oscar Euloge, Zongo Élisabeth Aboubié, Sossou Kpèdé Nicodème, Houngbo Marcel, Dossou Pierre Fourier, Ogoudjobi Ladékpo Sylvain, Balogoun Ibouraïman, Dansi Alexandre, Lokoyêyinou Laura Estelle, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 161-168, January 2026.

A severe case of human hepatic fascioliasis mimicking an oncological disease in Azerbaijan

Aygun A. Azizova*, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 155-160, January 2026.

Combined effect of irrigation frequency and leaf harvesting intensity on soil water content and productivity of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seedlings in vegetable production

Sissou Zakari, Imorou F. Ouorou Barrè, Mouiz W. I. A. Yessoufou*, Colombe E. A. E. Elegbe, Amamath S. Boukari, P. B. Irénikatché Akponikpè, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 143-154, January 2026.

Develop sustainable coffee-based farming model using cash crops production

Maribel L. Fernandez, Roje Marie C. Rosqueta*, Diosa G. Alasaas, Boyet C. Pattung, Jaylord Dalapo, Janette Empleo, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 134-142, January 2026.

Animal anthrax in northern Tanzania (2015-2025): Epidemiological trends and frontline response capacity

Yohana Michael Kiwone*, Beatus Lyimo, Rowenya Mushi, Joram Buza, Int. J. Biosci. 28(1), 123-133, January 2026.