Vinblastine accumulation in Madagascar periwinkle leaves is rapidly induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of light quality and intensity (wavelengths between 280 and 405 nm) on vinblastine accumulation. In the first experiment, leaves were incubated for 5 d under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with five distinct peak wavelengths: 280, 310, 365, 385, and 405 nm. Vinblastine accumulation was observed only in leaves treated with 365 and 385 nm LEDs. The leaves were irradiated for 5 d in the second experiment with eight light intensities between 1 and 150 W m-² from 365 and 385 nm LEDs. The vinblastine concentration was maximized at 25 or 50 W m⁻² using 385 nm LEDs. These findings suggest that the optimal light conditions for vinblastine production in periwinkle leaves using LEDs are irradiation with 385 nm LEDs at an intensity of 25 W m-² for 5 d.
Research papers (academic journals)
