Effects of artificial night light color on phytochemistry and its implications for plant-insect interactions

The COST Action E-NICHE aims to close knowledge gaps in chemical ecology and apply chemo-ecological insights for sustainable ecosystem management. 

In line with these goals, we propose a project exploring how the spectral composition ("light color") of artificial night light influences plant chemistry and plant-insect interactions. 

Our objective is to determine how LED color alters diurnal and nocturnal phytochemistry and how these changes affect plant-insect interactions. We will study two common plants; meadow sage and white campion which differ in insect communities and pollination strategies. Combining fieldwork with climate chamber experiments, we will examine LED color effects on both volatile and non-volatile plant chemistry and its consequences for pollinators and different herbivore feeding guilds. By addressing this knowledge gap, our research will support the development of optimized, sustainable outdoor lighting strategies.