Synergistic Effects of CO2 and LED Lighting on Accumulation of Terpenes in Roots of Gynura bicolor

ObjectiveTo investigate the essential oil profile and terpenes accumulation in the roots of Gynura bicolor (Asteracese) treated by CO2 and LED lighting.MethodsG. bicolor herbs were treated by CO2 at the levels of 450 (control) and 1200 (elevated) μmol/mol and LED lighting with white light, RB20 (red/blue=8/2) and RB40 (red/blue=6/4). Headspace solid-phase micro-extraction-GC MS was employed to analyze terpenes from the essential oil of the roots.ResultsIn all treated-roots, the major components of terpenes were (E)-β-farnesene, α-, β-caryophyllene, δ-, β-, γ-elemene, and α-pinene. Increasing CO2 significantly decreased mono- and sesqui-terpenes in the roots under all light conditions, leading to the decreasing yields of the essential oils. Terpenes were at a higher level in RB20-treated roots than that in RB40-treated ones under both control and elevated CO2.ConclusionCO2 (450 μmol/mol) and 20 % blue LED lights are more conducive to the accumulation of terpenes in the roots than 1200 μmol/mol CO2 and 40% blue LED lights.