Light Intensity Plays Contrasting Roles in Regulating Metabolite Compositions in Choy Sum ( var. ).

Light intensity can be an efficient tool in regulating leafy vegetable quality and yet little is known mechanistically hitherto. In this study, choy sum metabolic responses to progressively increasing white light intensity were investigated in terms of its essential metabolites including chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates. Significant enhancements were observed in choy sum's nutritional quality like the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity under a high intensity of light. However, progoitrin was significantly increased by up to 7.54-fold under a low light intensity of 50 μmol/(m·s) compared with high light intensity, presenting a unique virus/pest-prevention strategy of choy sum under poor growth status. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a linear relationship between the light intensity and some metabolites. Principal component analysis further confirmed such contrasting roles of light intensity. The new knowledge gained about light-influenced choy sum metabolite levels can be critical in directing farmers in indoor farming practice for improving vegetable nutritional values.