In the rapidly evolving world of indoor farming, a recent study published in *Scientific Reports* has uncovered a promising strategy to boost the production of valuable secondary metabolites in *Catharanthus roseus*, commonly known as the Madagascar periwinkle. The research, led by Alessandro Quadri from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Bologna, explores the combined effects of LED light spectrum and a biostimulant containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the production of ajmalicine and serpentine, two highly sought-after alkaloids used in pharmaceutical applications.
The study found that red LED light, both alone and in combination with blue light, significantly increased the aerial fresh weight of the plants compared to white and blue light alone. Interestingly, the biostimulant, despite not inducing mycorrhizal colonization, had a profound impact on plant growth and metabolite production. “The biostimulant significantly increased plant height, shoot fresh weight, total dry weight, and leaf serpentine concentration,” Quadri explained. This resulted in a remarkable 34.4% increase in total serpentine yield compared to the untreated condition.
The most striking finding, however, was the synergistic effect observed when red light and the biostimulant were combined. This treatment led to the highest concentration and yield of ajmalicine, with increases of 144.3% and 138.0% respectively, compared to the white light control. “The combined application of red light and the biostimulant proved to be the most effective strategy to optimize ajmalicine and serpentine production while ensuring vigorous yet size-controlled plant growth,” Quadri noted.
The implications of this research for the agriculture sector are substantial. As the demand for high-value secondary metabolites continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and sustainable production methods. Indoor farming, with its precise control over environmental conditions, offers an ideal platform for such advancements. The findings of this study could pave the way for more targeted and effective use of light spectra and biostimulants in controlled environment agriculture, potentially revolutionizing the production of valuable plant-derived compounds.
Moreover, the study’s emphasis on the synergistic effects of different treatments highlights the importance of a holistic approach in agricultural innovation. As Quadri and his team continue to explore these interactions, the future of indoor farming looks increasingly bright, quite literally. With further research and development, these findings could shape the next generation of agricultural technologies, driving the industry towards greater efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.