White Fluorescent Lamps Research Articles

Enhancement of In Vitro Seed Germination, Growth, and Root Development in Two Sideritis Species through GA3 Application and Diverse LED Light Conditions

The Sideritis genus includes over 150 species primarily found in the Mediterranean basin, including the S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca from the Peloponnese and S. scardica from North and Central Greece. In vitro seed germination has proven effective for conserving and amplifying the genetic diversity of endangered species such as Sideritis. This study aimed to optimize in vitro germination and seedling growth of S. scardica and S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca under different lighting conditions at 22 °C, including white fluorescent lamps (WFL-BG-40) and LEDs (LED-BGYOR-40, LED-BR-40, LED-BR-80, LED-BR-120) all under a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod (WFL: white fluorescent light, B:blue, G:green, Y:yellow, O:orange, R:red, 40–80–120 μmol m−2 s−1), along with a 24-h dark treatment. The results indicated that LED-BR-80 combined with 250 mg L−1 GA3 in the MS medium promoted best germination (40%, day 55) and shoot proliferation in S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca. Conversely, 5-year-old cold stratified S. scardica seeds showed higher germination rates (80%) and robust seedling growth under LED-BGYOR-40 with 250 mg L−1 GA3, particularly thriving in LED-BR-120 for increased shoot height and root number. This is the first report of the efficacy of LED technology in optimizing in vitro conditions for Sideritis species, crucial for their conservation and sustainable commercial cultivation.

Boosting conversion efficiency by bandgap engineering of ecofriendly antimony trisulfide indoor photovoltaics via a modeling approach

With the exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) have emerged as a pivotal technology for powering low-power devices, drawing heightened interest due to their adaptability to indoor environments. The Photovoltaic Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of IPV cells is critically dependent on their ability to match the indoor spectrum with the device's response characteristics. In this realm, Antimony Trisulfide (Sb2S3), characterized by its wide bandgap and high absorption coefficient, emerges as a promising candidate for low-light applications. Our study focuses on the modeling and numerical analysis of Sb2S3 thin-film IPV cells by wxAMPS software, aiming to refine both the device structure and its photoelectric performance for effective indoor light harvesting. In a strategic shift from conventional CdS materials, we utilized SnO2—known for its high transmissivity, non-toxicity, and wide bandgap—as the electron transport layer (ETL) in Sb2S3 IPV cells. This substitution notably enhanced the short-wave response, elevating the spectral response from 45 % to 80 % at 400 nm. Additionally, we introduced a bandgap-tunable ZnOS buffer layer. This innovation proved instrumental in rectifying the band alignment mismatch between SnO2 and Sb2S3 layer, thereby optimizing interfacial electron transport properties. The integration of the ZnOS buffer layer effectively improved the fill factor from 40.0 % to 64.7 % of the Sb2S3 IPV cell by solving the band mismatch problem. The resulting optimized Sb2S3 IPV cell demonstrated exceptional response characteristics across the full visible spectrum (400–750 nm) and showed notable photoelectric performance under both fluorescent lamps (FLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Moreover, a detailed analysis was conducted on the performance differences of the device under indoor light sources compared to solar spectrum conditions, along with the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the Sb2S3 IPV cell achieved a peak theoretical efficiency of 46.25 % under cold white FL lighting, a testament to the optimal match between the device structure and this specific emission power spectrum. This modeling research not only underscores the feasibility of employing antimony-based photovoltaic technologies in indoor settings but also offers theoretical guidance for further advancements in this domain.

Creation of a Photobioreactor for the Effective Growth of Chlorella and Study of the Effect of the Spectral Composition of Light on Its Biomass

Chlorella is a green eukaryotic microalga (Chlorella vulgaris). The microscopic cell is spherical, 2–10 μm in diameter. This microalga is one of the most important and promising for biomass production. Chlorella is cultivated in ponds or bioreactors with specified parameters that create favorable conditions for the growth of chlorella biomass. Each set of conditions creates the opportunities for changing the growth rate and output of individual products. Two strains of chlorella were the object of the study: 1 – chlorella with a thin cell wall (Chlorella vulgaris VKPM Al-24); 2 – chlorella with a thick cell wall (Chlorella vulgaris Beijer). The culture of chlorella was cultivated on modified Tamiya nutrient medium, at 24°C and 24-hour illumination. It was cultivated for 5 days in 1000 ml flasks, in opaque grow boxes with different lighting regimes. The control variant was grown in a light room with white fluorescent lamps with an intensity of 150 μmol/m2 s, and the culture was also grown in the dark. Laboratory experiments studying the effect of spectral composition of light on growth of two strains of chlorella culture allowed identifying some regularities: 1 – the largest increase in biomass is observed when using white fluorescent lamps (T = 2700K); 2 – in the case of using FR>R or FR=R, their inhibitory effect on the growth of the studied strains of chlorella was observed. In addition, similar results were obtained when determining the optical density of the cultures, suggesting that the chlorella strains studied are similarly responsive to the action of different spectral compositions of light. Analyzing the absorption spectrum, it should be noted that it has a continuous character. It has been experimentally established that the first maximum is located in the red region (660 to 690 nm) and the second in the blue region (430 to 450 nm). The minimum absorption is observed in the green light region (500 to 610 nm).

FEATURES OF GROWTH AND INULIN CONTENT IN CALLUS CULTURES Cichorium intybus L. in vitro

In vitro callus cultures of common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) were obtained and their growth and biochemical characteristics depending on the hormonal composition of the MS medium and the spectral composition of light were studied. The study of the effect of light culture on callus tissue formation and inulin accumulation in it was carried out in opaque grow tents with radiation aligned with the flux density of pho- tosynthetic photons and different ratios of its levels in the region of 660 nm (R, red) and 730 nm (FR, far red). The control variant was placed under white linear fluorescent lamps. The resulting cultures were character- ized by high proliferative activity and the capability for morphogenesis. It has been established that the inter- action of two factors—the presence of auxins in the nutrient medium (IAA or NAA at a concentration of 7.5 mg/L in combination with BAP 0.5 mg/L) and cultivation under light culture conditions (FR R, FR = R, FR R)—had a significant impact on the biosynthetic potential of cell cultures. In the obtained cultures, a study of the quantitative content of inulin was carried out. It has been shown that the high content of inulin (7.55–7.95%) in callus cultures was on the MS medium in combination with IAA at FR R illumination. This is probably due to the fact that well proliferating and highly morphogenic callus tissue was formed under these conditions. The obtained results confirm the hypothesis about the specificity of cultured cells to in vitro synthesize and accumulate secondary metabolites in dedifferentiated cells and the dependence of this process on factors of chemical and physical nature.

Light sources indoor benefit the growth and development of pepper cultivars

Light is a determining factor in plant morphophysiology, as it influences the growth and development of agricultural crops. Thus, the objective was to investigate the effects of light sources on the growth and development of “biquinho” pepper cultivars. The experiment was performed in two stages (Exp1 and Exp2), evaluating two cultivars (BRS Moema; Airetama biquinho) in five light sources (white LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, red/blue LEDs, and fluorescent lamps). In Exp1 the plants were kept in a controlled condition, with a completely randomized design, in a 2x5 factorial scheme (cultivars x light sources) until 76 days after emergence (DAE), in which growth variables and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated. In Exp2, the plants were removed from the above conditions and transplanted in pots, being kept in greenhouse for more 76 DAE. At 152 DAE, the same variables as Exp1 were evaluated, as well as gain of shoot fresh and dry mass, and gain of root fresh and dry mass. In both experiments, growth variables were affected by cultivar and the light sources, however, the behavior did not follow the same trend for all variables, indicating that the light quality influences the growth of the crops, and impacting during greenhouse conditions.

Emerging Technologies for the Production of In Vitro Raised Quality Rich Swertia chirayita by Using LED Lights

The major bioactive compounds in S. chirayita are amarogentin (most bitter compound) and mangiferin, which contribute to its medicinal value due to its antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antimalarial properties. In this study, we developed a light emitting diode (LED)–based culture setup as an alternative to the existing white fluorescent lamps (WFL) used as a light source in the tissue culture conditions of the plants. The in-vitro raised plants of S. chirayita cultivated under LED lights showed a higher accumulation of shoot biomass and secondary metabolites as compared with plants growing under WFL. In the LED lights experiment, red LED accounted forthe maximum biomass accumulation (3.56 ± 0.04 g L−1), and blue LED accounted for the accumulated maximum content of amarogentin (8.025 ± 0.04 µg mg−1 DW), total phenolics (22.33 ± 1.05 mg GA g−1 DW), total flavonoids (29 ± 1.03 mg QE g−1 DW) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (50.40 ± 0.16%) in comparison with other light conditions. From the findings, we propose LED lightning as a more sustainable, eco-friendly and reliable source for the enormous production of quality rich secondary metabolites in shoot cultures of S. chirayita than the traditionally used fluorescent lights.

Применение освещения различного спектрального диапазона при клональном микроразмножении лесных ягодных растений

Creation of plantations of the most popular species of forest berry plants with high nutritional and medicinal value is advisable in connection with the reduction of such natural resources and the increased demand for berry products, as well as for the biological reclamation of depleted peat deposits. The paper shows the research results of clonal micropropagation of forest berry plants (cranberry, American cranberry, half-high blueberry, Arctic bramble, lingonberry, Kamchatka bilberry) of promising cultivars and forms using various types of lighting (white LED lamps, LED lamps with a combination of white, red and blue spectra, as well as white fluorescent lamps). Plants were cultivated using WPM and MS nutrient media with the addition of cytokinins 2-iP and 6-BAP in various concentrations. The largest number (3.3–16.9 pcs) and the maximum total length (13.8–251.1 cm) of microshoots of cranberry (Dar Kostromy cultivar, hybrid form 1-15-635), American cranberry (Ben Lear cultivar, hybrid form 1-23-3), Arctic bramble (Anna cultivar, hybrid form K-1), lingonberry (Kostromskaya rozovaya and Rubin cultivars) and Kamchatka bilberry (Sakhalinskaya and Kurilskaya forms) were observed under lighting by LED lamps with a combination of white, red and blue spectra at the “proper micropropagation” stage. The formation of the largest number (13.1 pcs) and the maximum length (98.7 cm) of microshoots of half-high blueberry (Northblue cultivar, hybrid form 23-1-11) was observed under lighting by white fluorescent lamps. There were no significant differences in biometric parameters of plants under different types of lighting depending on cultivars and forms. The use of LED lamps with a combination of white, red and blue spectra has a significant effect on the formation of microshoots of forest berry plants during clonal micropropagation. For citation: Makarov S.S., Upadyshev M.T., Kuznetsova I.B., Zaushintsena A.V., Kulikova E.I., Surina E.A. The Use of Lighting of Various Spectral Ranges for Clonal Micropropagation of Forest Berry Plants. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2022, no. 6, pp. 82–93. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2022-6-82-93

Condição de luz, vedação dos frascos e tempo de cultivo na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial in vitro de Dendrobium nobile lindl.

Abstract One of the obstacles for the production of Orchidaceae plants is the seed propagation. Thus, in in vitro cultivation, luminosity and the type of sealing of the bottles are factors that influence germination and initial development of orchids. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the light condition, the type of sealing of the bottles and the evaluation time in germination and initial in vitro development of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. After sowing, cultures were subjected to two irradiance conditions according to the sealing of the flasks: 7.0 µmol m-2 s-1 (threaded cap) and 19.0 µmol m-2 s-1 (plastic film) and two light conditions: white fluorescent lamp and red fluorescent lamp. At 30, 60 and 90 days, the percentage of germination, survival, of protocorms in stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage were evaluated 4. DIC was used, in a sub-divided plot scheme for 30 and 60 days after sowing and in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme at 90 days. The highest germination percentage was observed when using white fluorescent lamp with a plastic film cover (70.33%) and at 30 days (70.13%). The highest survival percentage (100%) was observed when using plastic film cover and white fluorescent lamp at 90 days. The greatest development of propagules, reaching stage 4 was verified in the red fluorescent lamp with threaded cap (9.55%).

The use of different LEDs wavelength and light intensities for in vitro proliferation of cherry rootstock: influence on photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis

Plant growth and development are strongly influenced by light quality conditions in their environment. In this study, in vitro shoot proliferation, photosynthetic pigments, leaf anatomy and photosystem II photochemistry of Gisela 6 cherry rootstock (Prunus cerasus x Prunus canescens) were investigated. The culture medium used was the MS (Murashige and Skoog) containing 4.4 μΜ 6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.05 μΜ α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 0.3 μM gibberellic acid (GA3) (30 days, 16 h photoperiod, 22 ± 2 °C). Initially, two different light wavelength absorption spectra: 400–700 nm provided by white fluorescent light lamps (mainly blue–green, BG at equal ratio 1:1; WFL-40) and, 430–690 nm provided by two Light Emitting Diodes (LED) types, differing in the spectral ratio of multiple light emitting wavelengths [LED2-40 (blue–red, BR) and LED3-40 (blue–green–yellow–orange–red, BGYOR)] were studied, under 40 μmol m−2 s−1 of light intensity. Following that, three LED intensities-20 (LED1-20), 40 (LED2-40), and 120 μmol m−2 s−1 (LED4-120) were investigated under BR spectrum. WFL-40 exhibited non-significant differences with LED2-40 (shoot number 4.25, proliferation rate 4.30, shoot height 0.91 cm). LED2-40 displayed higher fresh and dry shoot biomass, better PSII functionality, increased Chl a/b, Chl b and carotenoids content as well as decreased number of stressed explants. Leaf anatomy under LED2-40 and WFL-40 was similar. LED4-120 presented the highest rate of stressed explants, with their leaf anatomy being severely affected, as leaves had a reduced mesophyll cell density. In LED4-120, the proportion of the absorbed energy used in photochemistry (ΦPSII) was decreased whereas the increased quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (ΦNO) could not be compensated by the increased photoprotective energy dissipation (ΦNPQ). Therefore, LED2-40 is proposed as the most beneficial for growing cherry rootstock Gisela 6 plantlets in vitro.

Flexible, disposable photocatalytic plastic films for the destruction of viruses.

A thin, 30 μm, flexible, robust low-density polyethylene, LDPE, film, loaded with 30 wt% P25 TiO2, is extruded and subsequently rendered highly active photocatalytically by exposing it to UVA (352 nm, 1.5 mW cm−2) for 144 h. The film was tested for anti-viral activity using four different viruses, namely, two strains of Influenza A Virus (IAV), WSN, and a recombinant PR8, encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), and SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2). The film was irradiated with either UVA radiation (352 nm, 1.5 mW cm−2; although only 0.25 mW cm−2 for SARS2) or with light from a cool white fluorescent lamp (UVA irradiance: 365 nm, 0.047 mW cm−2). In all cases the films exhibited an average virus inactivation rate of >1.5log/h. In the case of SARS2, the rates were > 2log/h, with the rate determined using a dedicated, low intensity UVA source (0.25 mW cm−2) only 1.3 x's faster than that for a cool white lamp (UVA irradiance = 0.047 mW cm−2), which suggests that SARS2 is particularly prone to photocatalytic inactivation even under low UV irradiation conditions, such as found in a room lit with just white fluorescent tubes. This is the first example of a flexible, very thin, photocatalytic plastic film, produced by a scalable process (extrusion), for virus inactivation. The potential of such a film for use as a disposable, self-sterilising thin plastic material alternative to the common, non-photocatalytic, inert equivalent used currently for curtains, aprons and table coverings in healthcare is discussed briefly.

Manipulation of light quality is an effective tool to regulate photosynthetic capacity and fruit antioxidant properties of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Microtom' in a controlled environment.

Light quality plays an essential role in setting plant structural and functional traits, including antioxidant compounds. This paper aimed to assess how manipulating the light spectrum during growth may regulate the photosynthetic activity and fruit bioactive compound synthesis in Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ‘Microtom’ to improve plant physiological performance and fruit nutritional value. Plants were cultivated under three light quality regimes: red-green-blue LEDs (RGB), red-blue LEDs (RB) and white fluorescent lamps (FL), from sowing to fruit ripening. Leaf functional traits, photosynthetic efficiency, Rubisco and D1 protein expression, and antioxidant production in fruits were analyzed. Compared to FL, RGB and RB regimes reduced height and increased leaf number and specific leaf area, enhancing plant dwarf growth. The RGB regime improved photosynthesis and stomatal conductance despite lower biomass, favoring Rubisco synthesis and carboxylation rate than RB and FL regimes. The RB light produced plants with fewer flowers and fruits with a lower ascorbic acid amount but the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities. Our data indicate that the high percentage of the green wavelength in the RGB regime promoted photosynthesis and reduced plant reproductive capacity compared to FL and RB. Conversely, the RB regime was the best in favoring the production of health-promoting compounds in tomato berries.

High-frequency in vitro shoot regeneration of Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl. by light-emitting diodes

Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl. is a small flower, with a variety of colors, which are commonly grown indoors for decorative purposes. Currently, micropropagation of S. ionantha has been achieved certain results; however, the shoot quality as well as number of shoots regeneration was not high. In this study, the effect of LEDs system on the shoot multiplication and shoot quality of S. ionantha was conducted. The leaves were cut into square patterns without the main veins (1 cm × 1 cm), and the petiole (3 mm in diameter) was cut with a thick layer (2 mm) of longitudinal cell (lTCL), which were used as the initial materials. The explants were placed under LEDs conditions; and white fluorescent tube lamp (FL) was used as the control for shoot regeneration and rooting. The results found that the quality of light affects the regeneration, growth and development of S. ionantha shoots. The LED condition with a combination of 7R + 3B are optimal for high-frequency of shoot regeneration with the regeneration rate: 67.25%, and number of shoots: 9.33 shoots/explant from the leaves without the main veins. The higher shoot multiplication (number of shoots: 10.00 shoots/explant, fresh weight: 150.07 mg, dry weight: 98.64 mg) and rooting rate of plantlet (fresh weight: 2.17 g; dry weight: 0.09 g; leaf number: 20.33 leaves/plantlet) were also obtained under 7R + 3B condition.

Allochroic effect of praseodymium doped neodymium molybdate pigment synthesized by solid-state reaction

This paper was to synthesize praseodymium-doped neodymium molybdate allochroic pigments with different molar ratios of molybdenum (Mo), neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) through solid-state reactions. The pigments synthesized were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DSC), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and colorimeter. The results show that a pure neodymium molybdate (i.e., Nd2MoO6) can be formed after sintering at 1000 °C for 3 h, and praseodymium-doped neodymium molybdate can be synthesized after sintering at 1000 °C for 3 h due to praseodymium ions entering in the lattice of Nd2MoO6. The crystal structure in the pigment synthesized can transform from cubic to tetragonal depending on the molar ratio of neodymium/molybdenum and sintering procedure. The color properties of pigments were measured in color space CIEL*a*b* under different standard illuminants (i.e., solar-light (D65), incandescent light (A), cool white fluorescent lamp (F2), and three-band fluorescent lamp (F11)). The results show that the colors of the pigments vary under different illuminants. According to the color difference (ΔE) analysis, neodymium molybdate pigment exhibits a maximum color difference of 10.69, and the maximum color difference of praseodymium-doped neodymium molybdate pigment with doping content of 0.2 increases to 17.63 due to the Pr3+ ions substitution for Nd3+ ions in the lattice. In addition, the color difference of the pigments with allochroic effect was discussed based on the colorimetry. The color difference of the pigments is due to a high reflectance region at 540–550 nm and a low reflectance region at 380–500 nm.

The Effect of Light Distance on Aeroponic Potato Seed Production in The Tropical High Land

Aeroponic potato seed production in the highlands during foggy weather is an obstacle in increasing the number of tubers. Research that has been done previously is the addition of artificial light to support the growth and yield of potato seeds in the highlands. Nevertheless, from these results, there were still some plants that did not have optimal growth. It was suspected that the lamp height affects the growth and yield of aeroponic potato plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lamp distance on artificial lighting on the growth and yield of aeroponic potatoes. The factors that were tried were the height of the lamp from the aeroponic box 110 cm, 120 cm, and 130 cm. The lamps used: 18 Watt red blue LED (RB) and 10 Watt white fluorescent lamp. The design used was a completely randomized design. Growth observation data and results were analyzed by F test followed by Duncan's Multiple Distance Test (DMRT) 5%. The results showed that the combination of RB LED lamps with a height of 110 cm produced the highest number of bulbs of 31,7 per plant. The weight of aeroponic potato tubers in the highlands with the highest yield was obtained from a combination of 110 cm (29,3 g) RB LED lights. Keywords: Aartificial lighting, hydroponics, granola, greenhouse, tropical Indonesia

Formulations of curcumin and d-mannitol as a photolarvicide against Aedes aegypti larvae: Sublethal photolarvicidal action, toxicity, residual evaluation, and small-scale field trial

Dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever are arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. In this regard, a number of techniques have emerged aiming to combat its proliferation. Elimination of Aedes aegypti larvae by photodynamic action has been reported as an efficient approach. In this regard, this study was aimed at synthetize and characterize formulations with different proportions (w/w) of the plant-based photolarvicidal curcumin and d-mannitol (CCD 1-4) and their evaluation on sublethal photolarvicidal efficiency, photodegradation profile,solubility, internalization, elimination time, persistence in simulated field, growth of microorganisms in water and the toxicity using an animal models (Zebrafish). CCD 3 (curcumin:d-mannitol 50:50 w/w) showed the best efficacy (LC50-24h = 0.01 mg/L), and also presented the shortest internalization and longest elimination time, 60 min and 8 days, respectively. This formulation caused an extrusion into the intestine and peritrophic membrane. Moreover, CCD 3 showed a photodegradation of 50% (in 24 h) under white fluorescent lamps. In a small-scale field trial, CCD 3 had a residual time of 14 days and abnormal microbial growth was not observed. Finally, CCD 3 did not present any toxicity in Zebrafish, after exposition for 24 h at 100 mg/L. Overall, these results raise the possibility of reducing virus transmission through the controlled photoinactivation of Aedes aegypti larvae using a non-toxic plant-based formulated photolarvicide.

Reduction of Fusarium proliferatum growth and fumonisin accumulation by ZnO nanoparticles both on a maize based medium and irradiated maize grains

This study evaluated the antifungal effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on Fusarium proliferatum growth and fumonisin accumulation both on a maize-based medium (in vitro) and on irradiated maize grains (in situ). The ZnO-NPs were obtained by drop-by-drop synthesis without further thermal treatment and characterized by scanning electronic microscopy/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis showed them as thin flakes of 200 × 200 nm, ~30 nm thickness and its purity were confirmed by XRD. During the in vitro assay ZnO-NPs (0, 0.8; 4, 8 g L−1) were evaluated at 25 °C during 21 days under darkness or photoperiod incubation (12/12 h light (cold white and black fluorescent lamps)/darkness) to determine its possible photocatalytic influence. Fumonisins were detected by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC- MS/MS). All ZnO-NPs concentrations significantly affected growth rates and FB1 accumulation by F. proliferatum RCFP 5033 (p < 0.05). Similar reduction of growth and FB1 (%) was observed at 0.8 and 8 g L−1 ZnO-NPs under photoperiod or darkness incubation. FB1 reduction was observed after 14 and 21 days, although the highest reduction occurred after 14 days under photoperiod incubation (84–98%). No clear light enhancing effect on the antifungal and anti-mycotoxin capability of the ZnO-NPs was observed. Morphological alterations in mycelia and conidia were observed by SEM. Under the in situ assay, the effect of the ZnO-NPs (0, 0.4, 0.8, 2 g kg−1) on growth rates and fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 accumulation by two F. proliferatum strains was evaluated on irradiated maize grains adjusted to 0.995, 0.98 and 0.97 aW in darkness at 25 °C during 21 days. Also, zinc acetate at 0.8 g kg−1 was included to compare their antifungal effect against the same ZnO-NPs concentration. Growth rates decreased significantly as ZnO-NPs concentrations increased. Higher than 60% of growth reduction was observed for both F. proliferatum strains. Zinc acetate significantly reduced growth, although it was less efficient that the same ZnO-NPs concentration. ZnO-NPs reduced total fumonisins accumulation by 71–99% at 0.8–2 g kg−1 ZnO-NPs and 0.98–0.995 aW. Moreover, 0.4 g kg−1 ZnO-NPs also produced significant reduction of the 3 fumonisins. This study showed the application of ZnO-NPs in maize grains could be a low cost and environmental impact strategy to control phytopathogen and toxigenic fungi such as F. proliferatum and to reduce fumonisins accumulation, both during crop development at preharvest stage and during maize storage.

Влияние освещения на ризогенез ягодных растений при клональном микроразмножении

Introduction. Forest berry plants are popular on the food market and in pharmacy for their high nutritional and medicinal value. Plantations of forest berry plants can proliferate on unused lands, including depleted peatlands. Clonal micropropagation is the most effective method for obtaining large quantities of high quality planting material. Light-emitting diodes are highly effective for clonal micropropagation. The research objective was to study the effect of different spectral ranges on the process of root formation of forest berry plants in vitro.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. The research featured regenerant plants of half-highbush blueberry, arctic bramble, American cranberry, European cranberry, lingonberry, and Kamchatka bilberry of different cultivars. A set of experiments made it possible to study the effect of lighting type on the growth and development of the root system of forest berry plants in vitro using white fluorescent lamps, white spectrum LED lamps, and LED lamps with a combination of white, red, and blue spectra at the in vitro rooting stage of clonal micropropagation.&#x0D; Results and its discussion. The largest number (3.4–14.6 pcs.) and the maximum total length (10.0–156.9 cm) of roots were observed under LED lamps with a combination of white, red, and blue spectra. The effect was by 1.1–2.8 and 2.0–4.5 times higher than in the case of white-spectrum LED lamps, and by 2.3–7.0 and 3.3–14.9 times than in the case of fluorescent lamps. Variety and shape proved to have no significant effect on biometric indicators.&#x0D; Conclusion. LED lamps had a positive effect on the process of rhizogenesis of forest berry plants during clonal micropropagation. They appeared to be more effective than fluorescent lamps. The combination of white, blue, and red spectra increased the biometric parameters of plants at the stage of in vitro rooting.

Effects of light emitting diode lights on plant growth, development and traits a meta-analysis

The various monochromatic Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are widely used in growth facility for cultivating various plants, particularly horticultural crops because of their higher luminous efficiency, lower radiation and power consumption than the traditional white fluorescent lamp light. However, considerable inconsistent effects have been reported in literature. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of different colors of LED light on plant growth, development and various traits. Compared to the light from white fluorescent lamps, the red LED light significantly changed 4 out 26 plant characteristics by at least 37%, and blue LED light significantly increased 5 of 26 assessed characteristics by 37% or more. The combination of red/blue LED lights only significantly increased dry weight by 161% among 25 plant characteristics analyzed. Compared to the white LED light, red LED light significantly decreased 2 of 9 plant characteristics by at least 36%, and blue LED light significantly decreased only 1 of 9 plant characteristics, total chlorophyll content, by 42%. In the moderators analyzed, plant taxonomic families significantly influenced the effects of LED lights on shoot dry weight, and plant life cycles and plant taxonomic families significantly affected the effect on stomatal conductance. Through systematic meta-analysis, we found that the effect of LED on plant growth and quality traits was species-specific, and the effect was affected by the cultivation conditions. Therefore, we suggest that researchers be more targeted to experiment, and collect traits associated with practical production, especially related to the quality of product data, such as carotenoids, anthocyanin and other antioxidant compounds. This article is to provide more data with practical application, guide the application of LED in horticultural plant factory.

Quantitative visual tests in primary open-angle glaucoma patients according to three different lights with different color-rendering index

PurposeTo compare quantitative visual tests, such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision tests in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients according to three different light systems with different color-rendering index (CRI).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 36 eyes in 36 patients with POAG. Three different light systems consisting of a 3-band fluorescent lamp (CRI 80), a white LED (CRI 75), and a quantum dot LED (CRI > 95) were used. All lights had the same illuminance of 230 lx to exclude illuminance effects. The visual testing included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using an ETDRS chart, a CSV-1000E contrast test, and a color test performed by the Farnsworth Munsell 100-hue test.ResultsThere was no significant difference in BCVA (p = 0.86). There were no significant differences in the detail contrast tests according to the three light systems (p = 0.95, p = 0.94, p = 0.94, respectively, p = 0.64). There was significant difference between the three light systems in color test (p = 0.042). The color test scores with a quantum dot LED were significantly lower than those of the white LED and 3-band fluorescent lamp (p = 0.03 and 0.047, respectively).ConclusionsPOAG patients did not show significant differences in visual acuity scores and contrast test scores, expressed as black and white symbols, according to the different light systems. However, POAG patients tested under a quantum dot LED (CRI > 95) could distinguish color differences better than in the other light systems.

Effects of light spectrum on morpho-physiological traits of grafted tomato seedlings.

It is already known that there are many factors responsible for the successful grafting process in plants, including light intensity. However, the influence of the spectrum of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on this process has almost never been tested. During the pre-grafting process tomato seedlings grew for 30 days under 100 μmol m-2 s-1 of mixed LEDs (red 70%+ blue 30%). During the post-grafting period, seedlings grew for 20 days under the same light intensity but the lightening source was either red LED, mixed LEDs (red 70% + blue 30%), blue LED or white fluorescent lamps. This was done to determine which light source(s) could better improve seedling quality and increase grafting success. Our results showed that application of red and blue light mixture (R7:B3) caused significant increase in total leaf area, dry weight (total, shoot and root), total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio, soluble protein and sugar content. Moreover, this light treatment maintained better photosynthetic performance i.e. more effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry Y(II), better photochemical quenching (qP), and higher electron transport rate (ETR). This can be partially explained by the observed upregulation of gene expression levels of PsaA and PsbA and the parallel protein expression levels. This in turn could lead to better functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of tomato seedlings and then to faster production of photoassimilate ready to be translocated to various tissues and organs, including those most in need, i.e., involved in the formation of the graft union.