Long-duration manned Space missions require the realization of artificial environments, similar to the ecosystems on Earth, called Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs). In these self-sufficient closed habitats, higher plants would have a fundamental role in air regeneration and food production, reducing the demand for resource supply from Earth. In this study, we exposed germinated seeds of soybean to different doses of X-rays (0.3, 10 and 20 Gy) and light quality regimes (W-White, R-Red and RB-Red-Blue light), to assess possible radiation-induced stimulation in the production of useful nutritional compounds in seedlings. Irradiated and control seedlings, grown under different light-quality treatments were analyzed in terms of growth (measuring stem, root elongation, fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigment production (chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyanins), antioxidants (total polyphenols), sugar and protein content, localization of phenolic compounds in the various organs. Our results indicated the occurrence of a significant interaction between light quality and ionizing radiation; in particular RB-light induced in irradiated seedlings a more compact (P<0.05) habit. The growth under R light determined an increment in stem elongation. The RB light treatment promoted in seedlings the highest photosynthetic pigment and total protein content, as well as the high expression of PSII antenna complex protein, particularly at doses of 0.3 and 10 Gy of X-rays. These specific doses, also enhanced (P<0.05) the total carbohydrates and polyphenols concentrations in seedlings compared to W and R light treatments and 20 Gy of X rays. The overall study suggests that it is possible to induce specific functional and nutritional traits in irradiated plants by manipulating light quality during plant growth. This result is particularly interesting as many functional compounds, assumed through the diet, could strengthen the astronaut’s defense against the oxidative stress induced by the exposure for a long period to cosmic radiation.
Low doses of ionising radiation and the modulation of light quality improve nutritional traits in soybean seedlings / Amitrano, C.; De Micco, V.; Vitale, E.; Arena, C.. - unico:(2018), pp. 136-136. (Intervento presentato al convegno Plant Biology Europe 2018 Congress tenutosi a Copenaghen, Denmark nel 18-21 June 2018).
Low doses of ionising radiation and the modulation of light quality improve nutritional traits in soybean seedlings
Amitrano C.;De Micco V.;Vitale E.;Arena C.
2018
Abstract
Long-duration manned Space missions require the realization of artificial environments, similar to the ecosystems on Earth, called Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs). In these self-sufficient closed habitats, higher plants would have a fundamental role in air regeneration and food production, reducing the demand for resource supply from Earth. In this study, we exposed germinated seeds of soybean to different doses of X-rays (0.3, 10 and 20 Gy) and light quality regimes (W-White, R-Red and RB-Red-Blue light), to assess possible radiation-induced stimulation in the production of useful nutritional compounds in seedlings. Irradiated and control seedlings, grown under different light-quality treatments were analyzed in terms of growth (measuring stem, root elongation, fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigment production (chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyanins), antioxidants (total polyphenols), sugar and protein content, localization of phenolic compounds in the various organs. Our results indicated the occurrence of a significant interaction between light quality and ionizing radiation; in particular RB-light induced in irradiated seedlings a more compact (P<0.05) habit. The growth under R light determined an increment in stem elongation. The RB light treatment promoted in seedlings the highest photosynthetic pigment and total protein content, as well as the high expression of PSII antenna complex protein, particularly at doses of 0.3 and 10 Gy of X-rays. These specific doses, also enhanced (P<0.05) the total carbohydrates and polyphenols concentrations in seedlings compared to W and R light treatments and 20 Gy of X rays. The overall study suggests that it is possible to induce specific functional and nutritional traits in irradiated plants by manipulating light quality during plant growth. This result is particularly interesting as many functional compounds, assumed through the diet, could strengthen the astronaut’s defense against the oxidative stress induced by the exposure for a long period to cosmic radiation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
