For decades, the dynamic nature of chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlaF) has provided insight into the biophysics and ecophysiology of the light reactions of photosynthesis from the subcellular to leaf scales. Recent advances in remote sensing methods enable detection of ChlaF induced by sunlight across a range of larger scales, from using instruments mounted on towers above plant canopies to Earth-orbiting satellites. This signal is referred to as solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) and its application promises to overcome spatial constraints on studies of photosynthesis, opening new research directions and opportunities in ecology, ecophysiology, biogeochemistry, agriculture and forestry. However, to unleash the full potential of SIF, intensive cross-disciplinary work is required to harmonize these new advances with the rich history of biophysical and ecophysiological studies of ChlaF, fostering the development of next-generation plant physiological and Earth-system models. Here, we introduce the scale-dependent link between SIF and photosynthesis, with an emphasis on seven remaining scientific challenges, and present a roadmap to facilitate future collaborative research towards new applications of SIF.

几十年来，叶绿素a的动态特性荧光 (ChlaF) 提供了从亚细胞到叶鳞的光合作用光反应的生物物理学和生态生理学的见解。遥感方法的最新进展使得能够在更大范围内检测由阳光引起的 ChlaF，从使用安装在植物冠层上方塔上的仪器到地球轨道卫星。该信号被称为太阳诱导荧光 (SIF)，其应用有望克服光合作用研究的空间限制，为生态学、生态生理学、生物地球化学、农业和林业开辟新的研究方向和机会。然而，为了释放 SIF 的全部潜力，需要进行密集的跨学科工作，以协调这些新进展与 ChlaF 丰富的生物物理学和生态生理学研究历史，促进下一代植物生理和地球系统模型的发展。在这里，我们介绍了 SIF 和光合作用之间依赖于尺度的联系，重点是剩下的七个科学挑战，并提出了一个路线图，以促进未来对 SIF 新应用的合作研究。