Growth and alkaloids production in Madagascar periwinkle plants grown under red LED

Abstract

Abstract Madagascar periwinkle plants containing physiologically active indole alkaloids were grown hydroponically under red light (R) from red Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs; 660nm peak wavelength) or white light (FL) from fluorescent lamps in the enclosed artificial lighting plant factory. The effects of light quality on growth and vindoline (VIN) and catharanthine (CAT) accumulation per plant were investigated. Total leaf fresh weight and dry weight were greater in the R-grown plants than in the FL-grown plants. This increase of leaf biomass was caused by an increase of individual leaf fresh weight rather than an increase of leaf number per plant. At 77 d after germination the VIN and CAT accumulations per plant were 1.7 times and 1.4 times higher in the R-grown plants than in the FL-grown plants, respectively. Both the increase in the total leaf dry weight and the increase in the VIN and CAT concentrations in the total leaves contributed to the enhancement of alkaloids accumulation under R conditions. Cultivation under the red light using red LEDs for more than two and a half months was more effective than FL-based white light to produce VDL and CAT in the Madagascar periwinkle.