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Blue-enriched LED light modulates biochemical and proteomic traits without affecting yield in indoor-grown cress
Andrea Ertani1, Mariapia Esposito2, Simonetta Caira2
1Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Optimizing LED light spectra in controlled agriculture enhances microgreen nutritional quality, boosting anthocyanins and phenolics without impacting yield. This involves proteomic reprogramming for better plant function.
Area of Science:
- Controlled-environment agriculture
- Plant physiology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Light spectral composition is crucial for plant growth and quality in indoor farming.
- LED technology allows precise control over light spectra for optimizing crop production.
- Microgreens are nutrient-dense crops sensitive to environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of two distinct LED light spectra on the growth, nutritional content, and proteomic profiles of indoor-grown cress microgreens.
- To determine if spectral light manipulation can enhance functional and nutritional quality without compromising yield.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms, particularly proteomic reprogramming, underlying plant responses to different light spectra.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) microgreens under two LED light spectra with varying blue, green, red, and far-red proportions at a consistent photosynthetic photon flux density.
- Analysis of growth parameters (height, weight, yield), nutritional traits (nitrate, chlorophylls, carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio), and secondary metabolites (anthocyanins, phenolics).
- Proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins and understand molecular reprogramming in response to light treatments.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth parameters (plantlet height, fresh/dry weight, yield) or major nutritional components (nitrate, chlorophylls, C/N ratio) were observed between the two light spectra.
- A blue-enriched, far-red-reduced spectrum significantly increased anthocyanin concentration by 77% and the phenolic index by 52%.
- Proteomic analysis revealed significant plant reprogramming, with proteins involved in photosynthesis, protein metabolism, RNA biosynthesis, and redox homeostasis showing altered expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- Targeted manipulation of LED light quality, specifically increasing blue and reducing far-red light, can enhance the functional and nutritional quality of microgreens.
- Proteomic reprogramming is a key mechanism by which light spectrum influences microgreen quality, occurring independently of overall growth and yield.
- Light spectrum modulation offers a promising strategy for improving crop quality and sustainability in indoor and vertical farming systems.
Keywords:
Lepidium sativum L.antioxidantscontrolled-environment agricultureproteomic profilingsecondary metabolismsoilless cultivationMore Related Videos
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