Abstract Sprouts are nutritious food, easy to produce even in extra-terrestrial platforms, where the exposure to ionising radiation can alter their morpho-anatomical traits and phytochemical content. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sprout production under specific light wavelengths can mitigate the negative effects of radiation and/or stimulate the induction of hormesis. Germinated seeds, with actively proliferating cells, of mung bean were irradiated with increasing X-ray doses (0–20 Gy) and then incubated in controlled conditions under four different light regimes: dark (D), white light (W), red light (R), red-blue light (RB). Morpho-anatomical development of the sprouts was investigated through light-microscopy and their content of flavonoids and isoflavones was quantified by HPLC. Two significant conclusions emerged: 1) RB wavelength induces hormesis by stimulating the production of antioxidant compounds; 2) R wavelength offsets the harmful effects of radiation on morpho-anatomical traits, even at the highest X-ray dose.

    Highlights Light quality modulates plants response to ionising radiation. Light quality and X-rays alter sprout anatomical-traits and antioxidant content. RB light induces hormesis by improving antioxidants even at high radiation doses. R light offsets the negative effects of ionising radiation in mung bean sprouts. Early control of light is critical to obtain nutritious mung bean sprouts in Space.


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    Title :

    Effect of light quality and ionising radiation on morphological and nutraceutical traits of sprouts for astronauts’ diet


    Contributors:
    De Micco, V. (author) / Amitrano, C. (author) / Vitaglione, P. (author) / Ferracane, R. (author) / Pugliese, M. (author) / Arena, C. (author)

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 185 ; 188-197


    Publication date :

    2021-05-05


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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