Changes in light spectra modify secondary compound concentrations and BVOC emissions of Norway spruce seedlings

Our objective was to study how changes in the light spectra affects growth, carbohydrate, chlorophyll, carotenoid, terpene, alkaloid and phenolic concentrations, and BVOC (biogenic volatile organic compound) emissions of Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings. This study was conducted during the growth of the third needle generation in plant growth chambers. Two light spectra with the main difference in proportion of blue light (400-500 nm) and equal photon flux densities were provided by LED (light-emitting diode) lamps: 1) control (white light + 12 % blue light) and 2) increased blue light (+B) (white light + 45% blue light). The +B treatment increased needle concentrations of total flavonoids and acetophenones. The major changes in the phenolic profile were an accumulation of astragalin derivatives and the aglycone of picein. +B decreased concentrations of the main alkaloid compound, epidihydropinidine, and it’s precursor, 2-methyl-6-propyl-1,6-piperideine, emission rates of limonene, myrcene and total monoterpenes, and concentrations of a few terpenoid compounds, mainly in stems. Growth, needle carbohydrates and pigments were not affected. The results suggest that supplemental blue light shifts carbon allocation between secondary metabolism routes, from alkaloid and terpenoid synthesis to flavonoid and acetophenone synthesis. The changes may affect herbivory and abiotic stress tolerance of Norway spruce.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author