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Righini I, Graamans L, van Hoogdalem M, Carpineti C, Hageraats S, van Munnen D, Elings A, de Jong R, Wang S, Meinen E, Stanghellini C, Hemming S, Marcelis LF. Protein plant factories: production and resource use efficiency of soybean proteins in vertical farming. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:6252-6261. [PMID: 38470072 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled environment agriculture, particularly vertical farms (VF), also called plant factories, is often claimed as a solution for global food security due to its ability to produce crops unaffected by weather or pests. In principle, essential macronutrients of the human diet, like protein, could technically be produced in VF. This aspect becomes relevant in the era of protein transition, marked by an increasing consumer interest in plant-based protein and environmental challenges faced by conventional farming. However, the real question is: what does the cultivation of protein crops in VF imply in terms of resource use? To address this, a study was conducted using a VF experiment focusing on two soybean cultivars. RESULTS With a variable plant density to optimize area use, and because of the ability to have more crop cycles per year, protein yield per square metre of crop was about eight times higher than in the open field. Assuming soy as the only protein source in the diet, the resources needed to get total yearly protein requirement of a reference adult would be 20 m2 of crop area, 2.4 m3 of water and 16 MWh of electricity, versus 164 m2, 111 m3 and 0.009 MWh in the field. CONCLUSIONS The study's results inform the debate on protein production and the efficiency of VF compared to conventional methods. With current electricity prices, it is unlikely to justify production of simple protein crops in VF or promote it as a solution to meet global protein needs. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Righini
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk Graamans
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van Hoogdalem
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Caterina Carpineti
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Selwin Hageraats
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel van Munnen
- Horticulture and Product Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Elings
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick de Jong
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shuna Wang
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Meinen
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Stanghellini
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Silke Hemming
- Wageningen Research, Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Fm Marcelis
- Horticulture and Product Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Rehman M, Pan J, Mubeen S, Ma W, Luo D, Cao S, Saeed W, Jin G, Li R, Chen T, Chen P. Morpho-physio-biochemical, molecular, and phytoremedial responses of plants to red, blue, and green light: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:20772-20791. [PMID: 38393568 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Light is a basic requirement to drive carbon metabolism in plants and supports life on earth. Spectral quality greatly affects plant morphology, physiology, and metabolism of various biochemical pathways. Among visible light spectrum, red, blue, and green light wavelengths affect several mechanisms to contribute in plant growth and productivity. In addition, supplementation of red, blue, or green light with other wavelengths showed vivid effects on the plant biology. However, response of plants differs in different species and growing conditions. This review article provides a detailed view and interpretation of existing knowledge and clarifies underlying mechanisms that how red, blue, and green light spectra affect plant morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters to make a significant contribution towards improved crop production, fruit quality, disease control, phytoremediation potential, and resource use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammal Rehman
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jiao Pan
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Samavia Mubeen
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Wenyue Ma
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Dengjie Luo
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Shan Cao
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Wajid Saeed
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Gang Jin
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Ru Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Peng Chen
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agric-Products Safety; Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Innovation, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Ren M, Liu S, Tang C, Mao G, Gai P, Guo X, Zheng H, Tang Q. Photomorphogenesis and Photosynthetic Traits Changes in Rice Seedlings Responding to Red and Blue Light. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11333. [PMID: 37511093 PMCID: PMC10378807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of red and blue lights on the photomorphogenesis and photosynthetic traits of rice seedlings. The rice seedlings were cultured with red light (R), blue light (B), combined red and blue lights (R3B1/R1B1/R1B3), and white light (CK) as the control. The combined application of red and blue lights could promote the growth of rice seedlings to varying degrees; enhance photosynthesis by increasing the seedling leaf area, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence; improve root characteristics by increasing root number, root volume, and root activity; and thus increase the dry matter accumulation of rice seedlings. In addition, the combination of red and blue lights could regulate the expression of genes related to photosynthesis in rice leaves, affect the activity of the Rubisco enzyme, and then affect the photosynthesis of rice seedlings. These results indicate that red and blue lights have direct synergistic effects, which can regulate the growth of rice seedlings and promote the morphogenesis of rice seedlings. The combined application of red and blue lights can be used to supplement the light in rice-factory seedling raising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maofei Ren
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shanzhen Liu
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Chengzhu Tang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Guiling Mao
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Panpan Gai
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huabin Zheng
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qiyuan Tang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Ren M, Liu S, Mao G, Tang C, Gai P, Guo X, Zheng H, Wang W, Tang Q. Simultaneous Application of Red and Blue Light Regulate Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism, Induces Antioxidant Defense System and Promote Growth in Rice Seedlings under Low Light Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10706. [PMID: 37445882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of light quality on growth, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant defense system of rice seedlings. Six light conditions were employed, including white (W), red (R), blue (B), combined LED of R and B at 3:1 (R3B1), combined LED of R and B at 1:1 (R1B1), as well as combined LED of R and B at 1:3 (R1B3). Combined application of red light and blue light could promote the growth of rice seedling leaves and roots under low light stress to varying degrees, increase the photosynthetic area by increasing the leaf area, improve the root characteristics by increasing the root volume, and increase the dry matter accumulation of rice seedlings. In addition, the combination of red light and blue light could increase carbon and nitrogen metabolites in rice seedling leaves, regulate the expression of genes related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism and enzyme activity, and enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity of rice seedlings. These results indicate that red light and blue light directly have synergistic effects which can regulate the carbon and nitrogen metabolism of rice seedlings, promote the morphogenesis of rice seedlings under low light stress, and promote growth, which has never been reported in previous studies. This study is a new discovery in the application of light quality in crop production and provides new avenues to enhance crop stress resistance. However, further study is needed to explore the physio-biochemical and molecular mechanisms of light quality in crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maofei Ren
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shanzhen Liu
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Guiling Mao
- College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Chengzhu Tang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Panpan Gai
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huabin Zheng
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Weiqin Wang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qiyuan Tang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Blue light promotes vascular reconnection, while red light boosts the physiological response and quality of grafted watermelon seedlings. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21754. [PMID: 34741092 PMCID: PMC8571345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The wound inflicted during grafting of watermelon seedlings requires rapid and sufficient vascular development which is affected by light quality. Our objective was to investigate the effect of light spectra emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) during healing of grafted watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedlings on their vascular development, physiological and phytohormonal profile, and root architecture. Three LEDs emitting red (R), blue (B), and RB with 12% blue (12B) were tested in a healing chamber. During the first three days, the photosynthetic apparatus portrayed by PIABS, φP0, ψE0, and ΔVIP was less damaged and faster repaired in B-treated seedlings. B and 12B promoted vascular reconnection and root development (length, surface area and volume). This was the result of signaling cascade between phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid and others. After vascular reconnection the seedlings switched lights for 3 more days and the picture was reversed. Seedlings treated with B for the first 3 days and R for days 4 to 6 had better photosynthetic characteristics, root system development, morphological, shoot and root biomass, and quality (i.e. Dickson’s quality index) characteristics. We concluded that blue light is important during the first 3 days of healing, while the presence of red is necessary after vascular reconnection.
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Izzo LG, Mickens MA, Aronne G, Gómez C. Spectral effects of blue and red light on growth, anatomy, and physiology of lettuce. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 172:2191-2202. [PMID: 33715155 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing spectral effects of blue and red light ratios on plants could help expand our understanding of factors that regulate growth and development, which is becoming increasingly important as narrowband light-emitting diodes become common for sole-source lighting. Herein we report growth, physiological, and anatomical responses of two lettuce cultivars grown indoors under various blue and red ratios including monochromatic treatments. When used in combination with red, increasing the proportion of blue light generally reduced growth but increased chloroplast abundance and single-leaf photosynthetic efficiency. However, when used as single wavebands, both blue and red light increased leaf area and epidermal cell area, but reduced root dry mass, SPAD index, stomatal density, and leaf thickness compared to dichromatic light. In addition, chloroplast abundance and single-leaf physiological responses were higher in plants grown under monochromatic blue compared to red light, but the opposite trend was measured for shoot biomass. Our results show that spectral effects on morpho-anatomical leaf responses can largely influence plant growth and single-leaf physiological responses. However, a significant blue light reduction in radiation capture ultimately limits growth and productivity of lettuce plants when dichromatic blue and red light is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Celina Gómez
- Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Bartucca M, Guiducci M, Falcinelli B, Del Buono D, Benincasa P. Blue:Red LED Light Proportion Affects Vegetative Parameters, Pigment Content, and Oxidative Status of Einkorn ( Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum) Wheatgrass. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:8757-8763. [PMID: 32806129 PMCID: PMC8009505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to study the effect of some light spectra on the growth, oxidative state, and stress of einkorn wheatgrass (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum). To this end, six light treatments, having the same total incident photon flux density (PFD) of 200 μmol m-2 s-1, were applied to einkorn and compared: only blue light; only red; three blue:red combinations, at different proportions of total PFD (75:25%, 50:50%, and 25:75%, respectively); and a wide spectrum, taken as a control treatment, composed of blue (18% of PFD), red (18%), and intermediate wavelengths (64%). Light treatments affected the contents of pigments (chlorophylls and carotenes), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). These results revealed the changes in the oxidative status of wheatgrass, in response to the different light treatments. However, the dichromatic light with blue ≥50% of the total PFD appeared to be the best combination, guarantying good wheatgrass yield, increasing pigment content, and reducing H2O2 and MDA when compared to the other light treatments. Our findings also contribute to explaining the available literature on the effect of these kinds of light on the increase in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in einkorn wheatgrass.
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