Evaluating LED parameters in a growth chamber to maintain potato yield and enhance minitubers production in greenhouse with molecular insights

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting offers numerous advantages in crop or seed production and can enhance crop yields. This study evaluated four types of LED lights, with three different light spectra and two different light intensities, for their physiological and yield effects on the potato. We found that the LA-H light treatment enhanced potato yields in an artificial growth chamber comparable to those achieved in the field based on yield, organic biomass, plant morphology, leaf photosynthesis parameters, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations under different light treatments. The red-blue irradiance ratio was the primary factor influencing plant morphology and physiology. Incorporating the LA-H system into the minituber production process yielded positive investment returns. Using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying potato responses to different light treatments and spectra. High-intensity light increased α-solanine concentrations in leaves, with GAME4 (DM8C12G06070) and GAME12 (DM8C12G06060) identified as key genes in its biosynthesis. The distinct cis-acting motifs associated with light intensity and spectrum responses were found. Furthermore, bioengineering approaches targeting putative genes and cis-elements could enhance potato resilience and adaptability to controlled environments.