In the heart of Moscow, researchers at the Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the Russian Academy of Sciences are shedding new light on the future of urban agriculture and the essential oil industry. Led by Anna V. Shirokova, a team of scientists has uncovered how artificial light can significantly alter the chemical composition of basil plants, potentially revolutionizing the way we grow and harvest valuable aromatic compounds.
The study, recently published in the journal Plants, focuses on three varieties of basil: lemon basil (Ocimum × citriodorum “Kapriz”), sweet basil (O. basilicum “Queen Sheba”), and bush basil (O. minimum “Vasilisk”). The researchers compared the effects of conventional field and greenhouse conditions with those of a city farm (CF) equipped with narrow-band LED lighting. The results were striking.
Under LED lighting, the essential oil yield in sweet basil and bush basil increased by more than double compared to field conditions. “We found that in leaves of CF plants, O. basilicum and O. minimum increased essential oil yield significantly,” Shirokova explained. “The number of glands with four-celled heads also increased.” This discovery could have profound implications for the essential oil industry, as higher yields mean more efficient production and potentially lower costs.
But the changes didn’t stop at yield. The biochemical analysis revealed that the composition of the essential oils also shifted. In sweet basil and bush basil, the concentration of eugenol—a key component in many essential oils—rose dramatically. In lemon basil, which typically contains almost exclusively terpene compounds, a notable amount of the phenylpropanoid volatile component estragol was detected under LED lighting. “Surprisingly, in Ocimum × citriodorum, which contained almost only terpene compounds, under CF conditions, a noticeable amount of the phenylpropanoid volatile component (estragole) was also formed,” Shirokova noted.
These findings suggest that LED lighting could be a powerful tool for tailoring the chemical composition of essential oils to meet specific market demands. For instance, eugenol is a highly prized compound in the fragrance and flavor industries, and the ability to increase its concentration through controlled lighting could open new avenues for commercialization.
The implications for the energy sector are also significant. As urban agriculture gains traction, the demand for efficient and sustainable lighting solutions will grow. LED technology, with its energy efficiency and customizable spectral outputs, is well-positioned to meet this demand. By optimizing the growth conditions for aromatic plants, LED lighting could help reduce the environmental footprint of essential oil production while increasing yield and quality.
Looking ahead, this research could pave the way for more targeted and efficient cultivation practices. As Shirokova and her team continue to explore the effects of different lighting conditions, the potential for innovation in the essential oil industry is vast. With the ability to manipulate the chemical composition of plants through artificial light, the future of urban agriculture and the essential oil market looks brighter than ever.