On the predictive modeling of visible light interaction with fresh and environmentally stressed monocotyledonous leaves

The author has recently proposed a model to simulate light interactions with monocotyledonous (unifacial) leaves in the infrared domain. In this paper, we evaluate the applicability of this model to simulations performed in the visible (photosynthetic) domain, and aimed at the investigation of biophysical responses triggered by nutrient and water stress. The model´s fidelity and predictability in this spectral domain are assessed through quantitative and qualitative comparisons of modeled results with measured data obtained for maize specimens. Its predictive capabilities are further demonstrated through the simulation of reflectance profiles resulting from experiments involving maize leaves under different water reduction procedures.