Assessing light spectrum impact on growth and antioxidant properties of basil family microgreens

Understanding the influence of light spectra on plant growth and antioxidant activities is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing crop

Akira Thongtip, Kriengkrai Mosaleeyanon, Supattana Janta, Praderm Wanichananan, Preuk Chutimanukul, Preuk Chutimanukul, Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Panita Chutimanukul, Panita Chutimanukul

Scientific Reports · 2024 · https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79529-2

Abstract

Understanding the influence of light spectra on plant growth and antioxidant activities is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing crop quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of different light treatments on growth parameters and antioxidant activities in five plant species: peppermint, Thai basil, cumin, lemon basil, and green holy basil. Our results revealed distinct responses to varying light spectra, with green light consistently promoting taller plant heights across all species. Additionally, blue light induced notable increases in plant width for certain species. Analysis of antioxidant activities demonstrated dynamic fluctuations in Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Flavonoid Content (TFC) among different light treatments and plant species. While white and red light generally promoted higher TPC levels, blue light unexpectedly exhibited the highest TPC levels at specific time points. Moreover, investigation into DPPH Radical Scavenging activity revealed diverse temporal responses to light spectra, with blue light demonstrating exceptional activity at early stages and white and red light showing heightened activity at later time points. These findings underscore the importance of tailored light regimes in optimizing growth parameters and enhancing antioxidant activities in cultivated plants, thereby offering promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and food production practices.

Licence and reuse

LicenceCC-BY-NC-ND-4.0
May we host this PDF?Yes
May we publish a plain-language summary?No. This licence forbids derivative works. We may report and cite its findings, but not republish a rewritten version.
Commercial use permitted?No — non-commercial use only
Share-alike required?No

How to credit this work

Akira Thongtip; Kriengkrai Mosaleeyanon; Supattana Janta; Praderm Wanichananan; Preuk Chutimanukul; Preuk Chutimanukul; Ornprapa Thepsilvisut; Panita Chutimanukul; Panita Chutimanukul (2024). Assessing light spectrum impact on growth and antioxidant properties of basil family microgreens. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79529-2 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NC ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.

Explore this on our site

About this copy

This is a copy of the published article, hosted by EVEC Athens for free educational use under its open licence. The permanent scientific reference is the DOI above. We have not altered the file in any way. If you are an author or rights holder and want this copy removed, please use our notice and takedown procedure. We acknowledge every request within five working days, and act within ten.

Co-funded by the European Union.
This portal presents the microgreens methodology; the organisation behind it is EVEC Athens — the European Voluntary and Educational Center (evec.org.gr). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Open licence. Except where stated otherwise, the educational materials on this portal are licensed under CC BY 4.0 — free to use, adapt and share, including commercially, with credit. See the licence terms.

Accessibility. We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and publish what does and does not yet meet it — see the accessibility statement. If anything here blocks you, tell us and we will send the material in a format that works for you.