Transcriptomic Analysis of Rice (Jijing129) Reveals Growth and Gene Expression Responses to Different Red-Blue Laser...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Horticultural Technology

Background:

• Artificial supplemental lighting is vital for plant growth, with ongoing research into optimal light sources.
• Laser technology offers unique properties (monochromatic, coherent, high energy) for potential horticultural applications, but its mechanisms in plant lighting require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different red-to-blue light ratios from laser supplemental lighting on rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Jijing129) seedlings.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying yield enhancement under varying laser spectra.

Main Methods:

• A seedling-stage lighting experiment was conducted using a dual-wavelength semiconductor laser system on rice cultivar Jijing129.
• Treatments included natural light control (AL) and three laser groups with varying red:blue ratios (BL, CL, DL).
• Morphological, physiological, and gene expression changes (transcriptome sequencing) were systematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• All laser treatments significantly increased root fresh weight, dry weight, and nitrogen content compared to natural light.
• The final rice yield was significantly improved across all laser treatments, with the CL (60:40 R:B ratio) group showing the highest yield.
• Transcriptome analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and related pathways under laser treatments, particularly CL and DL.

Conclusions:

• Laser supplemental lighting during the rice seedling stage enhances nitrogen content and modulates gene expression, potentially leading to increased crop yield.
• This study provides foundational understanding and empirical support for applying laser technology as an effective supplemental light source in agriculture.
• Specific gene expression changes, including those related to antioxidant enzymes, suggest a regulatory role during laser-induced supplemental lighting.