Interplay among photoreceptors determines the strategy of coping with excess light in tomato.

SUMMARY: This study investigates photoreceptor's role in the adaption of photosynthetic apparatus to high light (HL) intensity by examining the response of tomato wild type (WT) (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Moneymaker) and tomato mutants (phyA, phyB1, phyB2, cry1) plants to HL. Our results showed a photoreceptor‐dependent effect of HL on the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) with phyB1 exhibiting a decrease, while phyB2 exhibiting an increase in Fv/Fm. HL resulted in an increase in the efficient quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and a decrease in the non‐photochemical quantum yields (ΦNPQ and ΦN0) solely in phyA. Under HL, phyA showed a significant decrease in the energy‐dependent quenching component of NPQ (qE), while phyB2 mutants showed an increase in the state transition (qT) component. Furthermore, ΔΔFv/Fm revealed that PHYB1 compensates for the deficit of PHYA in phyA mutants. PHYA signaling likely emerges as the dominant effector of PHYB1 and PHYB2 signaling within the HL‐induced signaling network. In addition, PHYB1 compensates for the role of CRY1 in regulating Fv/Fm in cry1 mutants. Overall, the results of this research provide valuable insights into the unique role of each photoreceptor and their interplay in balancing photon energy and photoprotection under HL condition. Significance Statement: Our research explores the role of photoreceptors in plant response to high light (HL). This is crucial as it reveals the complex regulatory mechanisms involved in plant adaptation to environmental stress. By identifying the precise contributions of photoreceptors, our study expands our understanding of plant photobiology and provides insights for optimizing the conversion of photon energy to photochemical energy under HL conditions. This work lays the foundation for developing strategies to enhance plant resilience in HL condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]