Absorption of red light causes P[r] to change to the P[fr] form. Far-red light reverses this conversion.

Shade-avoidance: In the shade of a forest, chlorophyll pigments in the canopy absorb red light and allow far-red light to pass. Trees in the shade shift the phytochrome ratio in favor of P[r] and grows taller.

Direct sunlight increases the proportion of P[fr], which stimulates branching and inhibits vertical growth.