Enhancing tuber yield and nutraceutical quality of potato by supplementing sunlight with LED red-blue light

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1517074
• Publication Date: 2025-03-10T14:00:56Z
• Authors: Antonio Pannico; Nafiou Arouna; Giovanna Marta Fusco; Piero Santoro; Antonio Giandonat...; Rosalinda Nicastro; Letizia Pagliaro; Stefania De Pascale; Roberta Paradiso
• Keywords: Nutraceutical; Sunlight

Introduction We investigated the influence of genetic material and light spectrum on plant performance two cultivars potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.), ‘Colomba’ ‘Libra’, grown in greenhouse, view future cultivation Space terrestrial vertical farming controlled environment agriculture under limiting conditions. Methods The effects 100% natural (CNT) lighting treatments, which 30% solar radiation was replaced by red blue LED light, RB 1:1 2:1, were evaluated growth, gas exchange, tuber yield quality. Results In CNT plants, net photosynthesis (NP) similar cultivars, while aerial biomass greater ‘Libra’. ‘Colomba’, NP leaf area unaffected however increased 2:1. Conversely, ‘Libra’ both production decreased Tubers contained higher concentrations most minerals than probably due to different traits slightly lower (concentration effect). Red-blue did not alter mineral content tubers. prioritized accumulation free amino acids, GABA, polyphenols, enhancing stress response antioxidant capacity, adapted well variable conditions, with significant increases treatments. Differently, focused synthesis carbohydrates, essential acid compared ‘Colomba’. Discussion Our findings underline importance genotype selection highlights how can improve potato. This knowledge could be useful indoor (i.e., farming) as space research potato, this crop is a candidate for plant-based regenerative systems long-term missions.