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Impacts of deficit irrigation on photosynthetic performance, productivity and nutritional quality of aeroponically grown Tuscan kale (Brassica oleracea L.) in a tropical greenhouse
Citation
He, J., Chang, C., Qin, L., & Lai, C. H. (2023). Impacts of deficit irrigation on photosynthetic performance, productivity and nutritional quality of aeroponically grown Tuscan kale (Brassica oleracea L.) in a tropical greenhouse. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), Article 2014. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032014
Abstract
Tuscan kale was grown aeroponically with 5, 30 and 60 min nutrient spraying intervals (defined as 5 minNSIs, 30 minNSIs and 60 minNSIs). Four weeks after transplanting, some 5 minNSI plants were transferred to a 60 minNSI (5 minNSI → 60 minNSI) and 90 minNSI (5 minNSI → 90 minNSI) for one more week. Significantly lower light-saturated rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed for plants grown with a 60 minNSI than with a 5 minNSI. However, all plants had similar internal CO2 concentrations and transpiration rates. Reduced light use efficiency but increased energy dissipation was observed in plants grown in a 60 minNSI. A higher nitrate concentration was observed in 60 minNSI plants compared to 5 minNSI and 30 minNSI plants, while all plants had similar concentrations of total reduced nitrogen, leaf soluble protein and Rubisco protein. Plants grown with prolonged NSIs (deficit irrigation) had lower biomass accumulation due to the inhibition of leaf initiation and expansion compared to 5 minNSIs. However, there was no substantial yield penalty in 5 minNSI → 60 minNSI plants. Enhancements in nutritional quality through deficit irrigation at pre-harvest were measured by proline and total soluble sugar. In conclusion, it is better to grow Tuscan kale with a 5 minNSI for four weeks followed by one week with a 60 minNSI before harvest to reduce water usage, yield penalty and enhance nutritional quality.
Date Issued
2023
Publisher
MDPI
Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Dataset
https://doi.org/10.25340/R4/UKJ90O
Project
MEOD 2/20 HJ
Funding Agency
National Institute of Education, Singapore