Plants, as sessile organisms, rely on sophisticated gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to adapt to dynamic environmental conditions. Among the central components of these networks are the interconnected pathways of light signaling and circadian rhythms, which together optimize growth, development, and stress resilience. While light and circadian pathways have been extensively investigated independently, their integrative coordination in mediating climate change adaptation responses remains a critical knowledge gap. Light perception via photoreceptors initiates transcriptional reprogramming, while the circadian clock generates endogenous rhythms that anticipate daily and seasonal changes. This review explores the molecular integration of light and circadian signaling, emphasizing how their crosstalk fine-tunes GRNs to balance resource allocation, photomorphogenesis, and stress adaptation. We highlight recent advances in systems biology tools, e.g., single-cell omics, CRISPR screens that unravel spatiotemporal regulation of shared hubs like phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs), ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1). Here, we synthesize mechanistic insights across model and crop species to bridge fundamental molecular crosstalk with actionable strategies for enhancing cropresilience. Moreover, we have tried to discuss agricultural implications in engineering light–clock interactions for the enhancement in crop productivity under climate change scenarios. Through synthesizing mechanistic insights and translational applications, this work will help underscore the potential for manipulating light–circadian networks to promote sustainability in agriculture.

This research aimed to investigate the oviposition preference of Monochamus saltuarius for different host trees and to determine whether it is capable of completing its life cycle in Larix kaempferi and Larix gmelinii subsp. olgensis. Male and female adults were placed in insect cages with the logs of Pinus tabuliformis, P. koraiensis, L. kaempferi, and L. gmelinii subsp. olgensis positioned in the four corners to determine the female beetles’ oviposition preference and the development of their offspring on the different host tree logs. First-instar larvae were also collected and introduced into logs of L. kaempferi and L. gmelinii subsp. olgensis to observe and measure their development. In addition, the phloem thickness, sapwood thickness, heartwood thickness, xylem density, and moisture content of these four host tree species were measured. The results showed that M. saltuarius larvae can develop into adults on L. kaempferi and L. gmelinii subsp. olgensis, but the lifespan and fecundity of adult M. saltuarius were lower than those observed for P. tabuliformis. In the choice test, females preferred P. tabuliformis to oviposit (75.44%), followed by P. koraiensis (12.86%), which showed less preference for L. kaempferi (5.99%) or L. gmelinii subsp. olgensis (5.71%). Phloem thickness and xylem density were significantly greater in the logs of L. kaempferi and L. gmelinii subsp. olgensis than in those of P. tabuliformis and P. koraiensis. M. saltuarius may feed on Larix species when food sources are scarce in forests. However, the likelihood of the beetle feeding on Larix species may decrease in the presence of favorable host species.