Effects of Varying Light Intensities and Photoperiods on Growth and Biomass Traits of Lemna gibba

Abstract

Duckweed is the fastest growing plant, with applications ranging from phytoremediation to biofuel and feed production. In this thesis we independently assessed the effects of light intensity and photoperiod on Lemna gibba, as light response data for this species remains limited. The research tested four light intensities and two photoperiods across the three L. gibba clones, with their interclonal differences assessed via one-way ANCOVA. Response in growth rate, frond traits, biomass composition and production, as well as light use efficiency was measured and assessed by two-way ANOVA. PPFD had a more widespread effect across the measured traits, while photoperiod and their interaction were significant for selected variables. Biomass productivity and relative growth rate were significantly affected by both PPFD and photoperiod. Interclonal differences were detected only for chlorophyll content index. These findings contribute to the understanding of Lemna gibba growth responses to light conditions and may support the optimization of indoor cultivation systems.