Investigation of the effect of microgravity and light spectrum on the antioxidant enzymes activity, elements and photosynthetic pigments of Physalis alkekengi in vitro.

 This study aimed to investigate the effect of microgravity and light spectral composition on the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, minerals, and  some photosynthetic pigments in Physalis alkekengi.

This study was performed in vitro. Seedlings were exposed to the microgravity treatments under two different light conditions, including white (C) and red+blue (R+B).

 The microgravity treatments were more capable of rapidly influencing growth performance than the light spectrum quality. Red+blue light increased the amount of chlorophyll a and b. Antioxidant enzymes under microgravity stress showed an increase, while changing the quality of the light spectrum did not make a significant difference. An increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the microgravity treatment compared to the light spectrum. The amount of Cu+2 and Zn+2 were increased by the R+B+microgravity treatment. However, Mn+2 was increased in the microgravity treatment. The highest uptake of Fe+2 and Ca+2 was recorded under microgravity conditions. R+B+Microgravity treatment increased K+ content compared to white control. The microgravity treatment increased Mg+2 in the root cell.

 In general, microgravity and light spectrum can increase biomass. Microgravity has little effect on photosynthetic pigments, but the R+B light spectrum increased the pigments. Microgravity increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of MDA. The concentration of some elements in roots and leaves can be modified by the light and microgravity conditions.