Lighting the way: exploring LED-driven enhancements in service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) micropropagation and phytochemical contents

Abstract

Climate change and the expansion of areas dedicated to a limited number of economically significant crops are threatening plant biodiversity, underscoring the urgent need for its preservation and valorization. Plant tissue culture offers a valuable approach to preserve species in a reduced space and is particularly recommended for woody plants, despite its high costs and the need for species-specific protocols. The Italian Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.), a minor fruit species with potential for afforestation and high-value timber, is currently underutilized in Italy and primarily cultivated at the domestic level. This study aims to establish an in vitro culture for Italian Service Tree genotypes and optimize their micropropagation protocols by evaluating the effects of different light quality on explant growth and rooting. We assessed the impact of three LED light treatments and one fluorescent light on the multiplication and rooting of micropropagated shoots. Our results indicate that LED lights, especially those with mixed spectra, can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, improve explant morphology, and influence biochemical profiles, providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional fluorescent lighting. This research offers an effective protocol for micropropagation of Italian Service Tree and highlights the role of light quality in optimizing plant tissue culture, contributing to conservation strategies for this underutilized fruit species and advancing the use of LED technology in plant propagation. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.