Energy-Saving LED Light Affects the Efficiency of the Photosynthetic Apparatus and Carbohydrate Content in Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook. f. Axillary Shoots Multiplied In Vitro

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Gerbera is one of the most important ornamental plants on the cut flower market. The basic reproduction methods of numerous cultivars of this species are in vitro techniques. In in vitro cultures, all plant growth conditions are controlled, including the light (intensity, quality, and duration). In tissue cultures, light quality is the most important factor that influences plant morphogenesis (growth and development). Light emitting diodes (LEDs), in contrast to the commonly used fluorescent lamps, allow for adjusting the light quality to the specific requirements of plants. LEDs are also energy-efficient and contain no harmful substances (e.g., mercury). The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of different light qualities emitted by LEDs during in vitro multiplication of Gerbera on its metabolic and physiological development. We compared endogenous carbohydrate content in the tissues and the condition of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants grown under fluorescent lamps and LED light. The study showed that the use of LEDs did not disturb the secondary metabolism of carbohydrates and the multiplied shoots were of high quality. The mixture of red and blue LED light in a 7:3 proportion is recommended for gerbera micropropagation. This light quality positively influenced the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus. ABSTRACT: An energy-saving light emitting diode (LED) system allows for adjustment of light quality, which affects plant development and metabolic processes in in vitro cultures. The study investigated the content of endogenous carbohydrates and the condition of the photosynthetic apparatus of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook. f. Our aim was to analyze the effects of different LED light qualities—100% red light (R LED), 100% blue (B LED), a mixture of red and blue (7:3) (RB LED), and a fluorescent lamp as a control (Fl)—during the multiplication of axillary shoots. After 40 days, the culture measurements were performed using a non-invasive pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorimeter. Sugar content was assessed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two forms of free monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), two sugar alcohol derivatives (inositol and glycerol), and seven forms of free oligosaccharides were identified. Of those, glucose content was the highest. LEDs did not disturb the sugar metabolism in multiplied shoots. Their monosaccharides were three times more abundant than oligosaccharides; the same results were found in plants grown under control light. R light depleted the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus and caused its permanent damage. The RB LED spectrum ensured the most efficient non-photochemical quenching of the photosystem II (PS II) excitation state and high shoot quality.