Light Spectral Composition Influences Structural and Eco-Physiological Traits of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Microtom' in Response to High-LET Ionizing Radiation

This study evaluated if specific light quality (LQ) regimes (white fluorescent, FL; full-spectrum, FS; red-blue, RB) during plant growth modified morphological and photosynthetic traits of Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Microtom' plants irradiated at the dry seed stage with 25 Gy Ca-48 ions (IR). The irradiation reduced plant size while it increased leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and relative water content (RWC) compared to the control. FS and RB light regimes determined a decrease of plant height and a rise of RWC compared to FL plants. The irradiation under FS and RB regimes favoured the development of dwarf plants and improved the leaf water status. Under the FL regime, irradiated plants showed reduced photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. The opposite behavior was observed in RB irradiated plants in which gas exchanges were significantly stimulated. RB regime enhanced Rubisco expression in irradiated plants also inducing anatomical and functional adjustments (i.e., increase of leaf thickness and incidence of intercellular spaces). Finally, Ca-48 ions did not prevent fruit ripening and the achievement of the 'seed-to seed' cycle, irrespective of the LQ regime. Overall, the present study evidenced that RB light regime was the most effective in optimising growth and photosynthetic efficiency of 'Microtom' irradiated plants. These outcomes may help to develop proper cultivation protocols for the growth of dwarf tomato in Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS).

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of specific light quality regimes on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of irradiated tomato plants, finding that the red-blue light regime was most effective in optimizing growth and photosynthetic efficiency. Irradiation under full-spectrum and red-blue light regimes favored the development of dwarf plants and improved leaf water status.