Photosynthetic Phenomics of Field- and Greenhouse-Grown Amaranths vs. Sensory and Species Delimits

Abstract

Consumers hesitate to purchase field-grown shoot-tops of amaranths in Sri Lanka, citing the low-cleanliness making growers focus on greenhouse farming. However, the photosynthetic and growth variations in relation to the organoleptic preference of the greenhouse-grown amaranths in comparison to field-grown counterparts have not been studied. Also, the species delimits of the amaranths in Sri Lanka have not been identified, limiting our ability to interpret species-specific production characteristics. Thus, we assessed the common types of amaranths under greenhouse and field conditions. The photosynthesis was measured using a MultispeQ device of the PhotosynQ phenomic platform, which records chlorophyll fluorescence-based parameters. The shoot-tops were harvested and prepared as dishes according to the typical recipe for amaranths in Sri Lanka. The dishes were subjected to an organoleptic assessment for the parameters color, aroma, bitterness, texture, and overall taste. The differences in plant and the shoot-top biomass were also assessed. The markers atpB-rbcL, matk-trnT, and ITS were used to define the species delimits. The field-grown and greenhouse-grown amaranths exhibited species/cultivar-specific photosynthetic variations. The texture and overall taste of the dishes were different among greenhouse and field-grown material. The tasters preferred the texture and the overall taste of the greenhouse-grown shoot-tops. The greenhouse-grown plants also yielded higher shoot-top harvests compared to field-grown counterparts. Out of the tested markers, ITS defines the delimits of amaranth species. The higher organoleptic preference, the appreciable yield levels, unique photosynthetic patterns of the greenhouse-grown amaranths, and species definitions provide the much-needed platform for clean shoot-top production guaranteeing the highest end-user trust.

Short- and long-term effects of season-long infestation of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on young apple (Malus domestica) and peach (Prunus persica) trees

“…Height measurements were only recorded again at the stage where trees were removed from the cages in September. To evaluate photosynthesis efficiency in infested and noninfested trees, quantum yield for photosystem II photochemistry was also measured using the handheld MultispeQ device (PhotosynQ Inc., East Lansing, MI, USA) (Sooriyapathirana et al 2021). Photosynthesis measurements were taken prior to insect introduction in early June, during insect exposure in August, and after insects were removed from cages in September; at this September time point photosynthetic carbon assimilation was also quantified using a portable infrared gas analyzer (CIRAS-3; PP Systems, Amesbury, MA, USA).…”

Different cultivation systems and foliar application of calcium nanoparticles affect the growth and physiological characteristics of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.)

“…Ahmadi et al 32 stated that the amount of chlorophyll of lemongrass under fluorescent lamps and LED lamps was not different. Sooriyapathirana et al 43 . reported that the chlorophyll content, as indicated by the SPAD, was significantly higher in greenhouse grown amaranths plants compared to the field grown plants.…”

“…Because of the closed environment and the design, the relative humidity is higher in greenhouse conditions than in the field. On the other hand, low humidity, soil pH limitation, and other possible stresses in the field condition can decrease chlorophyll concentration in field grown plants 43 .…”

Drought Responses in Three Apple Cultivars Using an Autonomous Sensor-based Irrigation System

“…It has also been established that as leaf water potential declines, stoma closure occurs to prevent water loss via transpiration, thereby limiting atmospheric CO 2 intake and inhibiting photosynthesis (Lakso and Seeley 1978). Therefore, photosynthesis parameters with respect to gas exchange, including photosynthetic carbon assimilation (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (g s ), intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUE) (A-to-g s ratio, indicating a trade-off between photosynthesis and transpiration), and chlorophyll fluoresce, such as quantum yield for photosystem II photochemistry (Sooriyapathirana et al 2021), are identified as standard indicators for plant physiological changes under a water deficit.…”