Light spectrum mediated improved graft-healing response by enhanced expression of transport protein in vegetables...

Vegetable production faces unprecedented challenges due to a rapid change in climate. Among several challenges increased stress factors like drought, salinity, and temperature threaten overall vegetable production. Grafting, a well-established technique of uniting a scion (shoot) with a compatible rootstock, has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing vegetable resilience. This approach strategically combines the desired fruiting characteristics of the scion with the robust root system and stress tolerance of the rootstock. Whereas, successful grafting can be hampered by stress conditions, that leads to poor graft union formation and reduced crop growth. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to optimize successful healing process during grafting. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer a promising avenue for exploration. Recent research suggests that manipulating the light spectrum using LEDs during the grafting process can significantly improve its success rate. Specific wavelengths of light are known to influence critical crop physiological processes, including photosynthesis, hormone signaling, and stress response pathways that leads a better graft-union formation with a high compatibility rate. Hence, it can be hypothesized that targeted light spectrums can promote graft union development and enhance crop resilience under stress. This present review is a detailed summarization of controlled environment studies utilizing LEDs that is exposed to vegetables under various light spectra, encompassing red, blue, and far-red wavelength combinations which are meticulously tailored to optimize crop growth and stress tolerance. The review also highlights the impact of the light spectrum on several key parameters, such as the percentage of successful grafts, graft union formation, and scion and rootstock growth under drought stress conditions, molecular exchange at graft junction. This review holds significant promise for revolutionizing vegetable grafting practices, particularly in controlled environments. By harnessing the power of light spectrum manipulation in conjunction with grafting, growers can potentially achieve higher yields, better quality produce, and increased tolerance to environmental stressors. This combined approach paves the way for a more sustainable and productive future for vegetable farming in a changing climate.