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Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode...
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Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II)

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 12054

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Costantino Paciolla

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", I-70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: antioxidant systems; plant defense responses; secondary metabolites; light in post-harvest; shelf-life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessandra Villani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: antioxidant systems; food safety; genomics; light in pre- and postharvest; secondary metabolites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Martina Loi

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Italian National Research Council, CNR · Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA, Bari, Italy
Interests: redox-active enzymes; phenols; antioxidant activity; food safety; biological methods for mycotoxin reduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants have a wide variety of photoreceptors that selectively respond to radiations of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing and modulating different physiological and biochemical processes, including photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, phototropism, shade avoidance, and both circadian and circannual rhythms. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have proven to be useful for elucidating the molecular basis of these responses with their ability to independently control light wavelength and intensity. Due to these unique advantages, in the last decade, LEDs have been widely applied in horticulture on economically relevant crops to counteract biotic and abiotic stress, enhance plant productivity, control plant flowering and pests, increase and promote the synthesis of beneficial bioactive compounds, and prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables during postharvest storage. Overall, understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses induced by LED lights on different plant species and even cultivars is a crucial step to optimize specific “light recipes” for optimal plant growth and health.

This Special Issue aims to summarize some of the newest advances related to physiological aspects, and the key molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant responses under LED treatment. Original research papers and reviews focusing on plant growth and productivity, plant nutritional, nutraceutical and functional properties, and the safety and quality of plant products at harvest and postharvest under LED treatment, are welcome.

We hope that multidisciplinary applications of knowledge will provide substantial benefits for future research in plant science.

Dr. Costantino Paciolla
Dr. Alessandra Villani
Dr. Martina Loi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidants
  • bioactive compounds
  • biotic and abiotic stress
  • food quality
  • LED
  • nutrients
  • plant defense
  • plant response
  • productivity

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1595 KiB  
Article
Light/Dark Cycle Lighting Influences Growth and Energy Use Efficiency of Hydroponic Lettuces in an LED Plant Factory
by Wen Li, Luming Zhong, Xiang Ji, Jun Wang and Dongxian He
Biology 2025, 14(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050571 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
The alterable light/dark cycle in a plant factory with artificial lighting eliminates the traditional concept of day and night in nature. Adjusting the light/dark cycle to closely align with the inherent circadian rhythm of plants can enhance biomass accumulation. In this study, we [...] Read more.
The alterable light/dark cycle in a plant factory with artificial lighting eliminates the traditional concept of day and night in nature. Adjusting the light/dark cycle to closely align with the inherent circadian rhythm of plants can enhance biomass accumulation. In this study, we examined the effects of different light/dark cycles on the photosynthetic performance, growth, and energy use efficiency of two hydroponic lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Frillice’ and ‘Crunchy’). The lettuces were subjected to four light/dark cycle treatments—16 h light/8 h dark (L16D8, as control), 12 h light/6 h dark (L12D6), 8 h light/4 h dark (L8D4), and 4 h light/2 h dark (L4D2), all under LED lamps with white combined red chips at the same light intensity of 250 μmol m−2 s−1. Photosynthetic performance and growth index were measured during the slow and rapid growth stages, corresponding to days 9 and 21 after transplanting, respectively. For Frillice, L12D6 achieved the highest shoot dry weight and light and electricity energy use efficiencies on days 9 and 21 after transplanting, primarily due to the largest leaf area, leaf number, and net photosynthetic rate. For Crunchy, L12D6 and L8D4 increased shoot fresh and dry weights due to larger leaf area and leaf number on day 9 after transplanting compared with L16D8. Subsequently, the lettuces in L16D8 exhibited a rapid increase in leaf area and leaf number, along with a high net photosynthetic rate during the rapid growth stage, resulting in fast shoot biomass accumulation. There were no significant differences in the shoot dry weight and energy use efficiency between L16D8 and L12D6 on day 21 after transplanting. Two lettuce cultivars in L16D8 both exhibited the highest water use efficiency on day 21 after transplanting. In conclusion, the light/dark cycle lighting can alter lettuce biomass accumulation by modifying plant morphology and leaf net photosynthetic rate. Additionally, the physiological response to the light/dark cycle was cultivar-dependent. Our findings provide valuable insights for optimizing hydroponic lettuce production to achieve high yield in LED plant factories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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16 pages, 2702 KiB  
Article
The Impact of LED Light Spectra on the Growth, Yield, Physiology, and Sweetness Compound of Stevia rebaudiana
by Naofel Aljafer, Abdullah Alrajhi, Toby Anderson von Trampe, William Vevers, Sophie Fauset and Hail Zuhir Rihan
Biology 2025, 14(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020108 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of several light spectra on Stevia rebaudiana, analysing growth parameters, yield, and physiological responses within a controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) system. The experimental design involved different light treatments, including specific combinations of blue (435 nm and 450 nm), red [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of several light spectra on Stevia rebaudiana, analysing growth parameters, yield, and physiological responses within a controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) system. The experimental design involved different light treatments, including specific combinations of blue (435 nm and 450 nm), red (663 nm), and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (365 nm), to determine their impact on morphological development and biochemical properties, particularly focusing on the production of the sweetening compounds stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevia rebaudiana plants cultivated from cuttings sourced from a reputable UK nursery (Gardener’s Dream Ltd., Glasgow, UK) were subjected to these spectral treatments over a period of five weeks under vertical farming conditions. Physiological measurements, such as chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), stomatal conductance, and leaf temperature, were recorded, alongside growth metrics (plant height, leaf area, and biomass). This study also incorporated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantitatively analyse the influence of the light treatments on the sweetener concentration. The results demonstrated that targeted LED spectra, particularly those that include UV light and blue light (435 nm), significantly nhanced both the quantitative and qualitative attributes of stevia growth, indicating that strategic light management can markedly improve the nutritional and commercial yields of Stevia rebaudiana. This research contributes to the optimisation of light conditions in vertical farming systems, aiming to enhance agricultural efficiency and reduce the reliance on imported stevia by maximising local production capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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15 pages, 2322 KiB  
Article
High-Intensity Continuous Light from Red–Blue Light-Emitting Diodes Improved Yield, Nutritional Quality and Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation in Two Leaf-Color Lettuces
by Wenke Liu, Bing Liu and Qibao Wu
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121077 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 674
Abstract
In an environmentally controlled plant factory with LED red–blue light, the effects of conventional light (4R:1B, 200 μmol·m−2·s−1, 18/6 h) and continuous light (CL, 24/0 h) with three light intensities (4R:1B, 200, 300 and 400 μmol·m−2·s−1 [...] Read more.
In an environmentally controlled plant factory with LED red–blue light, the effects of conventional light (4R:1B, 200 μmol·m−2·s−1, 18/6 h) and continuous light (CL, 24/0 h) with three light intensities (4R:1B, 200, 300 and 400 μmol·m−2·s−1, 24/0 h) on yield, nutritional quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in green-leaf Yidali and purple-leaf Zishan lettuces were investigated. The results showed that the dry and fresh shoot weight of two lettuces exposed to CL tended to increase with light intensity—from 200 to 400 μmol·m−2·s−1—compared to conventional light, while the leaf area tended to decrease or remained unchanged. High-intensity CL could significantly increase soluble sugar and reduce the nitrate contents of the two lettuces. Also, the antioxidant substance (anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenols) content of the two lettuces was improved with the increase in CL intensity. High-intensity CL could significantly increase the malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion content and DPPH of the two lettuces. The above indices showed similar results both at 6 and 12 days after light treatment. In contrast, the Zishan cultivar contained more antioxidant substances, ROS and MDA contents and DPPH (more than 1 to 100 times) than the Yidali cultivar under high-intensity CL. In summary, high-intensity CL could improve the yield and nutritional value of both Yidali and Zishan lettuces. The high CL tolerance of Zishan was attributed to a stronger antioxidant capacity due to a greater content of antioxidant substances and DPPH, while the accumulation of ROS and the content of antioxidant substances might interact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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9 pages, 1217 KiB  
Article
Thai Oakleaf Lettuce Phenocopies a Phytochrome B Mutant
by Cade Cooper and Kevin M. Folta
Biology 2024, 13(6), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060390 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 1528
Abstract
Photomorphogenic development in seedlings may be diagnostic of future plant performance. In this report, we characterize the Thai Oakleaf lettuce genotype, as it exhibited abnormalities in photomorphogenic development that were the most conspicuous under red light, including defects in hypocotyl growth inhibition, decreased [...] Read more.
Photomorphogenic development in seedlings may be diagnostic of future plant performance. In this report, we characterize the Thai Oakleaf lettuce genotype, as it exhibited abnormalities in photomorphogenic development that were the most conspicuous under red light, including defects in hypocotyl growth inhibition, decreased cotyledon expansion, and constitutive shade avoidance tendencies. These observations are consistent with defects in red light sensing through the phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor system. This genotype is sold commercially as a heat-tolerant variety, which aligns with the evidence that phyB acts as a thermosensor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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15 pages, 2504 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Cultivation of Nostoc sp. under Controlled Laboratory Conditions
by Teresa Mouga, Jéssica Pereira, Vitória Moreira and Clélia Afonso
Biology 2024, 13(5), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050306 - 28 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3709
Abstract
Cyanobacteria, photoautotrophic Gram-negative bacteria, play a crucial role in aquatic and terrestrial environments, contributing significantly to fundamental ecological processes and displaying potential for various biotechnological applications. It is, therefore, critical to identify viable strains for aquaculture and establish accurate culture parameters to ensure [...] Read more.
Cyanobacteria, photoautotrophic Gram-negative bacteria, play a crucial role in aquatic and terrestrial environments, contributing significantly to fundamental ecological processes and displaying potential for various biotechnological applications. It is, therefore, critical to identify viable strains for aquaculture and establish accurate culture parameters to ensure an extensive biomass supply for biotechnology purposes. This study aims to establish optimal laboratory batch culture conditions for Nostoc 136, sourced from Alga2O, Coimbra, Portugal. Preliminary investigations were conducted to identify the optimal culture parameters and to perform biomass analysis, including protein and pigment content. The highest growth was achieved with an initial inoculum concentration of 1 g.L−1, using modified BG11 supplemented with nitrogen, resulting in a Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 0.232 ± 0.017 μ.day−1. When exposed to white, red, and blue LED light, the most favourable growth occurred under a combination of white and red LED light exhibiting an SGR of 0.142 ± 0.020 μ.day−1. The protein content was determined to be 10.80 ± 2.09%. Regarding the pigments, phycocyanin reached a concentration of 200.29 ± 30.07 µg.mL−1, phycoerythrin 148.29 ± 26.74 µg.mL−1, and allophycocyanin 10.69 ± 6.07 µg.mL−1. This study underscores the influence of light and nutrient supplementation on the growth of the Nostoc biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4202 KiB  
Article
Blue and Red LED Lights Differently Affect Growth Responses and Biochemical Parameters in Lentil (Lens culinaris)
by Benedetta Bottiglione, Alessandra Villani, Linda Mastropasqua, Silvana De Leonardis and Costantino Paciolla
Biology 2024, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13010012 - 24 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
Light-emitting diodes are an attractive tool for improving the yield and quality of plant products. This study investigated the effect of different light intensity and spectral composition on the growth, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant metabolism of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seedlings [...] Read more.
Light-emitting diodes are an attractive tool for improving the yield and quality of plant products. This study investigated the effect of different light intensity and spectral composition on the growth, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant metabolism of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seedlings after 3 and 5 days of LED treatment. Two monochromatic light quality × three light intensity treatments were tested: red light (RL) and blue light (BL) at photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 100, 300, and 500 μmol m−2 s−1. Both light quality and intensity did not affect germination. At both harvest times, the length of seedling growth under BL appeared to decrease, while RL stimulated the growth with an average increase of 26.7% and 62% compared to BL and seedlings grown in the darkness (D). A significant blue light effect was detected on ascorbate reduced form, with an average increase of 35% and 50% compared to RL-grown plantlets in the two days of harvesting, respectively. The content of chlorophyll and carotenoids largely varied according to the wavelength and intensity applied and the age of the seedlings. Lipid peroxidation increased with increasing light intensity in both treatments, and a strong H2O2 formation occurred in BL. These results suggest that red light can promote the elongation of lentil seedlings, while blue light enhances the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Response in Plants under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Treatment (Volume II))
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