Impact of Colored Shade Nets on Biomass Production, Essential Oil Composition and Orientin and Isoorientin Content in Lippia gracilis Schauer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ChromatiNet on vegetative growth, total antioxidant capacity, phenolic and essential oils (EOs) composition of Lippia gracilis. The plants were cultivated under full sunlight, black, blue and red ChromatiNet. The flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were quantified spectrophotometrically. The C-glycosylflavone isomers (orientin and isoorientin) were isolated and identified by conventional spectroscopic techniques and measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection. The EO was analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Environment influenced growth, total antioxidant capacity and phytochemical levels. Shoot dry weight, thymol, carvacrol and (E)-caryophyllene were favoured under red and black ChromatiNet. Root growth, EOs, caryophyllene oxide, p-cymene, flavonoids, orientin and isoorientin were favoured in sunlight. Growth and accumulation of EOs, flavonoids and photosynthetic pigments increased under blue ChromatiNet. Therefore, Lippia gracilis plants have plasticity related to the spectral quality of light and it cultivate depends of the phytochemicals of interest.

Automated summary

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ChromatiNet on vegetative growth, total antioxidant capacity, phenolic and essential oils (EOs) composition of Lippia gracilis. The results showed that different colors of ChromatiNet influenced the growth, antioxidant capacity, and phytochemical levels of the plant. Red and black ChromatiNet favored shoot dry weight, thymol, carvacrol, and (E)-caryophyllene accumulation, while sunlight favored root growth, EOs, caryophyllene oxide, p-cymene, flavonoids, orientin, and isoorientin accumulation. Blue ChromatiNet promoted growth, EOs, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Therefore, Lippia gracilis plants exhibit plasticity in response to the spectral quality of light, and their cultivation depends on the desired phytochemicals.