In the heart of Thailand, researchers are unlocking the secrets of holy basil, a revered plant in both culinary and medicinal traditions, to enhance its biochemical potential in controlled environments. This groundbreaking study, led by Panita Chutimanukul from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), part of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, explores the use of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to boost the production of valuable bioactive compounds in holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) within a plant factory setting.
The research, published in Scientific Reports, delves into the effects of varying concentrations of MeJA on the plant’s secondary metabolites, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anthocyanins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and linalool. The findings are promising, with significant increases in these compounds observed over a 12-day period.
“Our study demonstrates that MeJA can be a powerful tool in enhancing the nutritional and medicinal value of holy basil,” Chutimanukul explains. “By optimizing the concentration and timing of MeJA application, we can significantly boost the production of bioactive compounds without compromising the plant’s health.”
The research reveals that lower concentrations of MeJA (250–500 ppm) are particularly effective in increasing TPC and TFC, especially on the 8th and 12th days after treatment. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, making them highly valuable in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Higher concentrations (750–1000 ppm) were found to increase anthocyanin and eugenol content shortly after treatment, with notable increases in β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and linalool at 500 and 750 ppm, respectively, at 12 days after treatment.
The study also highlights the physiological adjustments in the plants, with lower concentrations of MeJA modifying the transpiration rate and enhancing water use efficiency (WUE), although they did not significantly affect the photosynthetic rate or biomass. This suggests that MeJA elicitation can be integrated with environmental management strategies to optimize plant growth and bioactive compound production in controlled environments.
“These findings open up new possibilities for sustainable agricultural practices,” Chutimanukul adds. “By understanding how to manipulate the plant’s biochemical pathways, we can produce crops with enhanced nutritional and medicinal value, meeting the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable produce.”
The research also underscores the potential for integrating elicitation techniques with environmental management to enhance bioactive chemical production. This could have significant implications for the commercial sector, particularly in the production of high-value crops in controlled environments.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, this research offers a glimmer of hope. By harnessing the power of MeJA elicitation, we can enhance the biochemical potential of crops, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
The study’s insights into the relationships between physiological markers, spectral indices, and metabolite accumulation provide a roadmap for future research. As Chutimanukul notes, “This is just the beginning. There’s so much more to explore in terms of optimizing these techniques and applying them to other crops.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of agritech, this research stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for technology to transform our agricultural practices. As we look to the future, the integration of elicitation techniques with environmental management strategies could well be the key to unlocking the full potential of our crops, ensuring a sustainable and resilient food supply for generations to come.