scholarly journals Impact of Light Intensity and Nitrogen of Nutrient Solution on Nitrate Content in Three Lettuce Cultivars Prior to Harvest

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khurshid Ahmed Khan ◽  
Zhengnan Yan ◽  
Dongxian He
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Nitrogen Supply ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
High Accumulation ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps

Nitrate smoothly accumulates in leafy vegetables and poses serious health hazards if connected excessively in the human diet. The objective of this study was to improve the cultivation method of low nitrate lettuce grown in plant factory. A substantial decrease of nitrate content (NO3-) in three lettuce cultivars were subjected by short-term pre-harvest treatment combined with lowing nitrogen supply of nutrient solution to half concentration and high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) by LED lighting. The lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Frill ice, Lvzhu, Ziwei) were hydroponically grown in full strength of nutrient solution based on Yamasaki formula up to harvest time within a controlled environment under two light sources using fluorescent lamps and LEDs. The results demonstrated that a subsequent 3-days treatment of additional PPFD from 250 µmol m-2 s-1 to 350 µmol m-2 s-1 from 18 days after transplanting and half concentrations of nitrogen (NO3--N) in nutrient solution which is composition to standard resulted in the decrease of nitrate content as compared to plants grown under initial PPFD and full concentration of NO3--Ncomposition. The gradual decrease in nitrate content was accompanied by an increased concentration of nutritionally carbohydrates. Another important indicator of nutritional quality such as vitamin C content exhibited some variation, fresh weight of cultivars in cv. Frill ice and Ziwei observed higher with fluorescent lamps and for cv. Lvzhu with LED treatment section followed by lowest nitrate content of fresh leaves, respectively. Further, presented results disclosed that to avoid high accumulation of nitrate in leafy vegetables, the strategy of lowering nitrogen supply and increasing light intensity prior to harvest benefiting growers and consumers by improving quality of the product also making it consumer friendly.

scholarly journals Optimization of Light Intensity, Temperature, and Nutrients to Enhance the Bioactive Content of Hyperforin and Rutin in St. John’s Wort

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 4256
Author(s):  
Chia-Hung Kuo ◽  
Yi-Chin Chou ◽  
Kuo-Chun Liao ◽  
Chwen-Jen Shieh ◽  
Tzu-Shing Deng
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Solution Concentration ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Optimal Conditions ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort ◽  
Maximum Content

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a medicinal plant that alleviates depression and other disorders due to its abundance of active ingredients. Hyperforin, rutin, and melatonin are the main active, and important, ingredients in St. John’s wort that alleviate depression. In order to investigate the optimal conditions for accumulating these active ingredients, design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed in this study. Two-month-old St John’s wort plants were cultivated in growth chambers at varying temperatures, light intensities, and nutrient solution concentrations before analysis by HPLC, for determining differences in hyperforin, rutin, and melatonin content. The results showed that hyperforin and rutin contents were significantly influenced by temperature (18–23 °C) and light intensity (49–147 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)), whereas Hoagland’s nutrient solution concentration (25–75%) had little effect. The accumulation of melatonin might not be influenced by cultivation conditions. Light intensity and temperature are easily controlled environmental factors in artificial cultivation, both of which are related to secondary metabolite production in the plant. Based on RSM, the optimal conditions for the accumulation of hyperforin and rutin were obtained. The maximum content of hyperforin was 5.6 mg/g, obtained at a temperature of 19 °C, a nutrient solution concentration of 45%, and a light intensity of 49 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD. The maximum content of rutin was 3.8 mg/g obtained at a temperature of 18 °C, a nutrient solution concentration of 50%, and a light intensity of 147 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD. This evaluation of suitable conditions for the accumulation of bioactive compounds in St. John’s wort can be applied to plant factories on a large scale.

scholarly journals Effects of Photoradiation on the Growth and Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium Uptake of Lettuce Cultivated by Hydroponics

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Nur Ainun ◽  
Somsak Maneepong ◽  
Potjamarn Suraninpong
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Continuous Illumination ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Shoot Fresh Weight ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Lower Light ◽  
Lower Light Intensity

Photoradiation plays a major role in plant growth processes, especially photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Light intensity and photoperiod affect temperature and caused more transpiration in plants, which influences nutrient uptake. This study aimed to examine the effects of photoradiation on the growth and K, Ca, and Mg uptake of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lettuce was hydroponically grown in a walk-in growth chamber, and the experiment was performed using eight treatments with eight replications. A combination of eight fluorescent lamps was used to provide a photon flux density of 128±20 umole m-2 s-1 for 15/15 minutes, 45/15 minutes, 345/15+15/15 minutes of black UV, and 345/15+15/45 minutes of black UV of light/dark periods. A combination of ten fluorescent lamps was used to provide a photon flux density of 194±28 umole m-2 s-1 for 30/30 minutes, 15/15 minutes, and 45/15 minutes of light/dark periods and 24 hours of light period. Continuous illumination with higher light intensity gave the greatest shoot fresh weight, plant height and number of leaves. Whereas a shorter photoperiod and lower light intensity gave the lowest shoot fresh weight. Shortened UV light radiation gave better result in lettuce growth performance such as shoot fresh weight, plant height and number of leaves. UV light also damaged the lettuce leaves. The leaves turned brown (brown spot) at the tip of the old leaves. Molar concentrations of K, Ca and Mg in the lettuce leaves were in the order of K > Ca > Mg for all of the treatments. The steep gradient and highest K accumulation at bottom leaves were found at lower light intensity and short photoperiod (15/15 minutes of light/dark). Extended photoperiod improved K and Ca movement and reduced K and Ca accumulation in the bottom leaves. High K in the leaves reduced Ca uptake. Continuous illumination with higher light intensity resulted in the lowest concentrations of K, Ca and Mg. The mole ratio of K/Ca decreased from the top to bottom leaves, whereas the mole ratio of K/Mg tended to be stable except in the treatment with lower light intensity and short photoperoid. The best growth performance was found in the treatment with consistent K/Ca ratio.

scholarly journals Effects of low light intensities at night on nitrate accumulation in lettuce grown on a recirculating nutrient solution

1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
E.G. Steingrover ◽  
J.W. Steenhuizen ◽  
J. Van Der Boon
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Nitrate Concentration ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Nitrate Accumulation ◽  
Light Intensities ◽  
Nutrient Film Technique ◽  
Nutrient Solutions

During winter, when light intensities are low, high nitrate concentrations often occur in leafy vegetables which are undesirable from the viewpoint of public health. The effects of low lighting during the night in combination with various nutrient solutions and solution temperatures on the nitrate concentration of lettuce cv. Panvit plants grown in a nutrient film technique system were studied. The experiment showed that lettuce heads could be grown during winter under glass with a nitrate concentration as low as 2900 mg/kg FW, which is much lower than the maximum permissible concentration for winter-grown lettuce in the Netherlands of 4500 mg/kg. The lowest nitrate concentration, without negative effects on yield or quality, was obtained by growing the crop on recirculating nutrient solutions with an initial ammonium:nitrate ratio of 0.25, with a change to a ratio of 1.0 for the last 2 weeks. The addition of chloride did not affect the nitrate concentration. Raising the temperature of the nutrient solution at night from 6 to 10 degrees C in combination with a minimum air temperature of 6 degrees stimulated growth, but also increased the lettuce nitrate concentration by an average of 360 mg/kg. Supplying light of a low intensity at a photon flux density of 27 micro mol m-2s-1 (400-700 nm) at night for up to 8 nights before harvest did not further reduce the nitrate concentration on a FW basis because the dry matter percentage increased.

scholarly journals Nutrient Solution Deprivation as a Tool to Improve Hydroponics Sustainability: Yield, Physiological, and Qualitative Response of Lettuce

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1469
Author(s):  
Michele Ciriello ◽  
Luigi Formisano ◽  
Antonio Pannico ◽  
Christophe El-Nakhel ◽  
Giancarlo Fascella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Quality Performance ◽  
Floating Raft ◽  
Amino Acids Profile ◽  
Excessive Nutrients

Hydroponics growing systems often contain excessive nutrients (especially nitrates), which could lead to a quality loss in ready-to-eat leafy vegetables and posing a health risk to consumers, if managed inadequately. A floating raft system was adopted to assay the production and quality performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv ‘Maravilla De Verano Canasta’) deprived of the nutrient solution by replacement with only water, three and six days before harvest. Yield and quality parameters, mineral composition, pigments, organic acids, amino acids profile, soluble proteins, and carbohydrate content were determined. Nutrient solution deprivation six days before harvest resulted in a significant reduction in leaf nitrate (−53.3%) concomitant with 13.8% of yield loss, while plants deprived of nutrient solution three days before harvest increased total phenols content (32.5%) and total ascorbic acid (102.1%), antioxidant activity (82.7%), anthocyanins (7.9%), sucrose (38.9%), starch (19.5%), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; 28.2%), with a yield reduction of 4.7%, compared to the control. Our results suggest that nutrient solution deprivation three days before harvest is a successful strategy to reduce nitrate content and increase the nutritional quality of lettuce grown in floating raft systems with negligible impact on yield. These promising results warrant further investigation of the potential effect of nutrient solution deprivation on the quality attributes of other leafy vegetables cultivated in floating raft systems and in a “cascade” growing system.

scholarly journals Plant buffering against the high-light stress-induced accumulation of CsGA2ox8 transcripts via alternative splicing to finely tune gibberellin levels and maintain hypocotyl elongation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Shuo Zhao ◽  
Pengli Li ◽  
Yilu Yin ◽  
Qingliang Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Light Intensity ◽  
Intron Retention ◽  
Light Stress ◽  
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Multiple Transcripts ◽  
Novel Transcript

AbstractIn plants, alternative splicing (AS) is markedly induced in response to environmental stresses, but it is unclear why plants generate multiple transcripts under stress conditions. In this study, RNA-seq was performed to identify AS events in cucumber seedlings grown under different light intensities. We identified a novel transcript of the gibberellin (GA)-deactivating enzyme Gibberellin 2-beta-dioxygenase 8 (CsGA2ox8). Compared with canonical CsGA2ox8.1, the CsGA2ox8.2 isoform presented intron retention between the second and third exons. Functional analysis proved that the transcript of CsGA2ox8.1 but not CsGA2ox8.2 played a role in the deactivation of bioactive GAs. Moreover, expression analysis demonstrated that both transcripts were upregulated by increased light intensity, but the expression level of CsGA2ox8.1 increased slowly when the light intensity was >400 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density), while the CsGA2ox8.2 transcript levels increased rapidly when the light intensity was >200 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD. Our findings provide evidence that plants might finely tune their GA levels by buffering against the normal transcripts of CsGA2ox8 through AS.

scholarly journals Influences of Shading and Fall Fertilization on Fluorescence, Freeze Resistance, Flower Production and Growth of Rhododendron ×kurume ‘Pink Pearl’

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
Frank P. Henning ◽  
Timothy J. Smalley ◽  
Orville M. Lindstrom ◽  
John M. Ruter
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Freeze Resistance ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Shade Cloth ◽  
Main Plot

We investigated the influences of fall fertilization and light intensity on photosynthesis and freeze resistance of Rhododendron ×kurume ‘Pink Pearl’, an evergreen azalea cultivar, grown outdoors in containers under nursery conditions. The study included two main-plot fall fertilization treatments: 1) 0.5 liter solution containing 75 mg·liter−1 N applied for 60 days from August 1 through September 29 and 2) 0.5 liter solution containing 125 mg·liter−1 N applied for 120 days from August 1 through November 28, and four subplot light intensity treatments 1) 100% ambient photon flux density (PPFD) from May 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, 2) shade fabric rated to reduce PPFD by 50% from May 1 through September 30, 2004, followed by 100% PPFD from October 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, 3) 100% PPFD from May 1 through September 30, 2004, followed by 50% PPFD from October 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, and 4) 50% PPFD from May 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005. Fertilizer application and shade treatments did not interact in their effects on stem freeze resistance or the timing of anthesis. The high rate of extended fertigation (125 mg·liter−1 N applied August 1 through September 28) reduced freeze resistance of azalea stems and advanced anthesis by 4.9 days compared to plants that received moderate fertigation (75 mg·liter−1 N from August 1 through September 29). The high rate of extended fall fertigation failed to increase leaf or stem dry weight compared to plants that received the moderate rate of fertigation. Plants grown in 50% PPFD from May 1 through September 30 produced 163% more above ground dry weight compared to plants grown in 100% light during the same time period. The addition or removal of shade cloth beginning October 1 failed to enhance azalea stem freeze resistance compared to plants that were only exposed to 100 or 50% PPFD respectively. Shade treatments affected the chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fv · Fm−1) of leaves, but leaf fluorescence was unrelated to stem freeze resistance. Shade treatments affected azalea growth and photosynthetic stress, but shade neither interacted with fall fertilization to increase stem freeze resistance, nor had a biologically significant effect on stem freeze resistance.

scholarly journals Biofertlizer Lumbrical improves the growth and ex vitro acclimatization of micropropagated pear plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
Nataliya Dimitrova ◽  
Lilyana Nacheva ◽  
Małgorzata Berova ◽  
Danuta Kulpa
Keyword(s):  
Woody Species ◽  
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Ex Vitro ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Planting Material ◽  
Number Of Leaves

In vitro micropropagation of plants is highly useful for obtaining large quantities of planting material with valuable economic qualities. However, plantlets grow in vitro in a specific environment and the adaptation after the transfer to ex vitro conditions is difficult. Therefore, the acclimatization is a key step, which mostly determines the success of micropropagation. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of the biofertlizer Lumbrical on ex vitro acclimatization of micropropagated pear rootstock OHF 333 (Pyrus communis L.). Micropropagated and rooted plantlets were potted in peat and perlite (2:1) mixture with or without Lumbrical. They were grown in a growth chamber at a temperature of 22±2 °C and photoperiod of 16/8 hours supplied by cool-white fluorescent lamps (150 µmol m-2 s-1 Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, PPFD). The plants were covered with transparent foil to maintain the high humidity, and ten days later, the humidity was gradually decreased. Biometric parameters, anatomic-morphological analyses, net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll a fluorescence (JIP test) were measured 21 days after transplanting the plants to ex vitro conditions. The obtained results showed that the plants, acclimatized ex vitro in the substrate with Lumbrical, presented better growth (stem length, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh mass) and photosynthetic characteristics as compared to the control plants. This biostimulator could also be used to improve acclimatization in other woody species

scholarly journals Flavonoid Productivity Optimized for Green and Red Forms of Perilla frutescens via Environmental Control Technologies in Plant Factory

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Lu ◽  
Michiko Takagaki ◽  
Wataru Yamori ◽  
Natsuko Kagawa
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Perilla Frutescens ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Environmental Treatment ◽  
Plant Factory ◽  
Control Technologies

Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae) is a dietary staple in Asia. It is an abundant source of flavonoids that are bioactively beneficial to human health and fitness. The current popularity of plant-based consumption is being driven by the healthful benefits of bioactive nutrition, and the concentration of bioactive agents found in raw plant materials is an important factor in the assessment of food quality. To test the feasibility of promoting flavonoid productivity in perilla plants via environmental treatment, plant factory technology was applied to perilla plant cultivation. Apigenin (AG) and luteolin (LT) are two of the most potent anticarcinogenic flavonoids in perilla, and these are also found in many vegetables and fruits. Quantitative analysis of AG and LT was conducted on plants cultivated under nine environmental forms of treatment imposed by three levels of light intensity (100, 200, and 300 µmol·m−2·s−1) combined with three levels of nutrient-solution concentration (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 dS·m−1) for hydroculture. The contents of AG in green and red perilla plant were increased by high nutrient-solution levels under the same light intensity. In green perilla, the highest concentration of AG (8.50 µg·g−1) was obtained under treatment of the highest level of nutrient-solution (3.0 dS·m−1) and 200 µmol·m−2·s−1 of light intensity, whereas in red perilla, the highest concentration of AG (6.38 µg·g−1) was achieved from the highest levels of both of these forms of treatment (300 µmol·m−2·s−1 and 3.0 dS·m−1). The increase in AG content per plant between the lowest and the highest levels was recorded by 6.4-fold and 8.6-fold in green and red perilla, respectively. The behavior of LT concentration differed between green and red forms of perilla. LT concentration in red perilla was enhanced under nutrient deficiency (1.0 dS·m−1) and affected by light intensity. Different responses were observed in the accumulations of AG and LT in red and green perilla during treatments, and this phenomenon was discussed in terms of biosynthetic pathways that involve the expressions of phenylpropanoids and anthocyanins. The total yield of flavonoids (AG and LT) was improved with the optimization of those forms of treatment, with the best total yields: 33.9 mg·plant−1 in green Perilla; 10.0 mg·plant−1 in red perilla, and a 4.9-fold and a 5.4-fold increase was recorded in green and red perilla, respectively. This study revealed that flavone biosynthesis and accumulation in perilla plants could be optimized via environmental control technologies, and this approach could be applicable to leafy vegetables with bioactive nutrition to produce a stable industrial supply of high flavonoid content.

scholarly journals Interaction of Light Intensity and CO2 Concentration Alters Biomass Partitioning in Chrysanthemum

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maral Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Sasan Aliniaeifard ◽  
Aida Shomali ◽  
Fardad Didaran
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Growth Management ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density ◽  
Biomass Partitioning ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Vegetative Organs

Abstract Biomass partitioning is one of the pivotal determinants of crop growth management, which is influenced by environmental cues. Light and CO2 are the main drivers of photosynthesis and biomass production in plants. In this study, the effects of CO2 levels: ambient 400 ppm (a[CO2]) and elevated to 1,000 ppm (e[CO2]) and different light intensities (75, 150, 300, 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density – PPFD) were studied on the growth, yield, and biomass partitioning in chrysanthemum plants. The plants grown at higher light intensity had a higher dry weight (DW) of both the vegetative and floral organs. e[CO2] diminished the stimulating effect of more intensive light on the DW of vegetative organs, although it positively influenced inflorescence DW. The flowering time in plants grown at e[CO2] and light intensity of 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 occurred earlier than that of plants grown at a[CO2]. An increase in light intensity induced the allocation of biomass to inflorescence and e[CO2] enhanced the increasing effect of light on the partitioning of biomass toward the inflorescence. In both CO2 concentrations, the highest specific leaf area (SLA) was detected under the lowest light intensity, especially in plants grown at e[CO2]. In conclusion, elevated light intensity and CO2 direct the biomass toward inflorescence in chrysanthemum plants.

scholarly journals Application of Microbubbles to Hydroponics Solution Promotes Lettuce Growth

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong-Seok Park ◽  
Kenji Kurata
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photosynthetic Photon Flux ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Promote Plant Growth ◽  
Lettuce Growth ◽  
Leaf Lettuce ◽  
Charged Ions ◽  
Positively Charged

We investigated the effects of microbubbles, generated by a swivelling microbubble generator in hydroponics nutrient solution, on the growth of leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Twenty-four lettuce seedlings at the four- to five-leaf stage each were transplanted into two culture containers at 21 ± 1 °C (day) and 18 ± 1 °C (night) under fluorescent lamps that provided a photosynthetic photon flux of 173 ± 18 and 171 ± 16 μmol·m−2·s−1 averaged at eight points at the canopy level for micro- and macrobubbles conditions, respectively, during a photoperiod of 16 h per day. Seedlings were cultivated for 2 weeks in two deep flow technique (DFT) hydroponics culture systems in which micro- or macrobubbles were produced, respectively, by a microbubble aerator and aquarium aeration stones. The nutrient solution was maintained at a temperature of 22 ± 1 °C during the experiment. Fresh and dry weights of the microbubble-treated lettuce were 2.1 and 1.7 times larger, respectively, than those of the macrobubble-treated lettuce. Although the reasons for growth promotion by microbubbles are still under investigation, we speculate that the larger specific surface area of the microbubbles and negative electronic charges on the microbubbles surfaces may promote growth because microbubbles can attract positively charged ions that are dissolved in the nutrient solution. These results indicate that microbubbles generated in a DFT hydroponics culture system can remarkably promote plant growth.

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