In the rapidly evolving world of vertical farming, researchers are continually seeking ways to optimize plant growth and enhance the production of valuable compounds. A recent study published in *Industrial Crops and Products* sheds light on how different light/dark cycles can significantly impact the yield and centellosides content of Centella asiatica, a medicinal plant prized for its skin-regenerating properties.
Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola, is a powerhouse of centellosides, compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen synthesis-promoting activities. These properties make it a sought-after ingredient in functional cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The study, led by Gyu-Sik Yang from the Division of Horticultural Science at Gyeongsang National University in South Korea, explored how varying photoperiods and cycle lengths could influence the plant’s growth and photochemical properties in controlled environments.
The research team subjected the plants to different light treatments, including continuous light (C0L24), an 8-hour light/16-hour dark cycle (C2L8), and a 4-hour light/4-hour dark cycle (C4L4), all while maintaining a fixed daily light integral (DLI) of 8.64 mol·m−2·d−1. The findings revealed that continuous lighting (C0L24) promoted the highest shoot fresh weight during the initial three weeks of the six-week growing period. However, both continuous lighting and the control treatment (CON) yielded the highest shoot dry weight, indicating that continuous light might be beneficial for overall biomass accumulation.
Interestingly, the photosynthetic rate was highest in the C2L8 treatment, suggesting that intermittent darkness might enhance the plant’s photosynthetic efficiency. “This could be due to the plant’s ability to utilize the dark period for metabolic processes that support photosynthesis during the light period,” explained Yang.
The study also found that the efficiency of photosystem II and the electron transport rate were highest in the control treatment, followed by the continuous light treatment. Chlorophyll content was highest in the continuous light treatment, indicating that continuous lighting might enhance the plant’s ability to capture light energy.
Perhaps the most significant finding was the impact of different light cycles on centellosides concentration. The highest centellosides concentration was observed in the C4L4 treatment, which had the shortest light/dark cycle. This suggests that frequent light interruptions might stimulate the production of these valuable compounds.
The implications of this research for the agriculture sector are profound. As the demand for high-value medicinal plants continues to grow, optimizing their cultivation in vertical farms becomes increasingly important. “Our findings suggest that by carefully manipulating light cycles, we can not only enhance the yield of Centella asiatica but also increase the concentration of its valuable compounds,” said Yang.
This research could pave the way for more efficient and productive vertical farming systems, benefiting both growers and consumers. As the industry continues to innovate, such studies provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between light and plant growth, ultimately shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture.