Different Light Spectrums Affect the Morphological Structure of Rootless Duckweed (Wolffia arrhiza)

Abstract

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are free-floating flowering plants in water, consisting of five genera (Spirodela, Lemna, Landoltia, Wolffia and Wolffiella) and 36 species. They are known as the smallest and fastest-growing angiosperms on Earth. Duckweeds include species ranging in size from 1.5 cm to less than 1 mm. The smallest members of this family, the rootless duckweed Wolffia (watermeal, water eggs), are notable for their high protein content. W. arrhiza and W. globosa, which have an important market potential as plant-based protein sources, have been more focused on and produced in recent years. In this study, the morphological structure (width and length) of W. arrhiza grown under different LED lights (white, red, blue, and violet) in an air conditioning cabinet and under daylight in the laboratory was investigated. In the stereo microscope examinations, the width measurements were determined under blue > daylight > white > violet > red light, and the length measurements were determined under daylight > blue > white > violet > red light, respectively. According to the results of the research, it was observed that different light spectra were effective on the morphological structure of W. arrhiza. W. arrhiza grown under blue LED were larger, while red LED samples were smaller. For targeted (food, feed, biotechnology, biofuel, biological treatment, etc.) large biomass, efficient, optimal, and sustainable production, LED applications can be used in duckweed cultivation alongside conventional lights. For this, it is necessary to choose the appropriate light preference for duckweed species.

Key Words: Rootless duckweed, Wolffia arrhiza, LED light, light wavelength, plant growth