Аннотация:The absorption of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) by different foliar pigmentsdefines the amount of energy available for photosynthesis and also the need for photoprotection.Both characteristics reveal essential information about productivity, development, and stressacclimation of plants. Here we present an approach for the estimation of the efficiency by threefoliar pigment groups (chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) at capturing light, via theabsorption coefficient derived from leaf reflectance spectra. The absorption coefficient (andhence light capture efficiency) of the pigment is quantitatively related to the ratio of lightabsorbed by each pigment group over the total amount of light absorbed by the leaf. Theproposed approach allows discerning the contribution of pigment groups to the overall lightabsorption, despite the strong interference by other pigments with overlapping absorption spectra. For photosynthetic pigments, like chlorophylls, this is indicative of the energy capturedfor photosynthesis and hence of potential plant productivity. For photoprotective pigments, likeanthocyanins or secondary carotenoids, it gives information about the spectral ranges where theiroptical screening works best and their screening capacity. In addition, the approach allows theselection of optimal spectral bands where different pigments operate. Such information improvesour understanding of the phenological, physiological and photosynthetic dynamics of plants overspace and through time, useful for developing better monitoring and management strategies.