Effect of Light Quality on the Morphological Structure of Rootless Duckweed (Wolffia arrhiza)

Authors : Beyhan Taş, Şeyma Palit

Pages : 261-273

Doi:10.54370/ordubtd.1697745

View : 82 | Download : 160

Publication Date : 2025-12-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Duckweeds (Lemnoideae, Araceae) are the world\\\'s smallest and fastest-growing flowering plants, free-floating in freshwater, consisting of 5 genera (Spirodela, Lemna, Landoltia, Wolffia and Wolffiella) and 36 well-known species. It includes species ranging in size from 1 mm to 1.5 cm. Wolffia (watermeal, eggs of the water), which contains the smallest individuals of duckweed and is rootless, attracts attention with its high protein content. Therefore, more focus has been placed on this genus in recent years. Wolffia has a significant market potential as a plant-based protein source. In this study, the morphological structure (granule frond length and width) of W. arrhiza grown under different LED lights (white, red, blue and blue-red combination) in a climate chamber was examined. In the measurements made with a stereo microscope, it was observed that the light quality influenced the morphological structure of W. arrhiza. While W. arrhiza grown under blue LED was larger, red LED samples were smaller. The frond length and width were determined in blue > white > purple > red LED lights, respectively. The use of LED applications in vegetable cultivation is becoming widespread for high-efficiency and sustainable production. As a result of this study, it was determined that LED lights with different wavelengths were effective on the morphological structure of the plant. In targeted duckweed cultivation, it is important to select the appropriate light quality for the desired product (protein, starch, bioactive components, fresh vegetables, etc.).
Keywords : köksüz su mercimeği, büyüme, ışık kalitesi, LED, Wolffia

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