Low levels of ultraviolet-B radiation from fluorescent tubes induce an efficient flavonoid synthesis in Lollo Rosso lettuce without negative impact on growth
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Plants grown in Norwegian greenhouses during winter synthesise low amounts of anthocyanins and flavonols (colourless flavonoids). Higher content of anthocyanins enhances the red colour in lettuce and improves the external quality and marketability of the product. The flavonoids may also benefit consumer health due to their anti-oxidative and presumed anti-carcinogenic effects. The effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation given by UV-B tubes (Q-panel UV 313) and by standard cool white fluorescent tubes (Philips Master TL-D 36W/840) on flavonol and anthocyanin synthesis in lettuce cv. Lollo Rosso (Carmoli) were studied. The aim was to increase the content of flavonoids without reducing the fresh weight of the plant. Cool white fluorescent tubes induced high amounts of flavonoids in the plants during a five-day experimental period, with no growth reduction. The highest doses of UV-B from the UV-B tubes resulted in higher flavonoid synthesis, but with some growth reduction. The increase in flavonoids was highest in the first two to three days. The kinetics of flavonoid accumulation were measured with the chlorophyll fluorescence excitation ratio (FER) method using a portable multiple wavelength fluorometer. The accumulation of flavonoids can be rapidly and frequently measured with this non-destructive FER method. The FER method can easily be used by cultivators to get an estimate of the flavonol and anthocyanin content that may contribute to the nutritional value and marketability.
Institution: Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Language: English
Topic: Light effects on plants
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
Funders: Norges Forskningsråd, Nofima
Award: G2456076716
OpenAlex ID: W1984739035