Development of an aeroponic system for the rare tree species Phoebe zhennan: Aeroponic root production and resource assessment

Abstract

Phoebe zhennan, an endemic Chinese tree species valued for both aromatic and medicinal applications, faces challenges in resource utilization due to its prolonged growth cycle and scarcity of mature wood. To enable better exploitation and utilization of this precious resource, we pioneered an aeroponic cultivation system for P. zhennan: Using robust one-year-old seedlings (30–50 cm) subjected to IBA root induction (1.0 g/L, 10-s immersion), NPK nutrient solution (9–40–25 +micronutrients), intermittent misting (30-min cycles, 1-min duration), and controlled environment (25 ± 1°C, 12-h photoperiod), highly bioactive aeroponic roots were obtained within 30 days - a significant reduction compared to conventional cultivation. GC-MS analysis revealed that the essential oil from aeroponic roots (P. zhennan EO) primarily consisted of sesquiterpenes/sesquiterpenoids, with dominant constituents α-Copaene (8.75 %), δ-Cadinene (7.16 %), and Cubenol (3.60 %), alongside bioactive compounds Agarospirol (1.17 %), α-Panasinsene (0.38 %), Hinesol(0.18 %), and other additional terpenoids (0.05–2.73 %). Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified 7 neuroactive components targeting key receptors (CHRM2, CHRM1, GABRA1) and pathways (neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, GABAergic synapses, cholinergic synapses), suggesting therapeutic potential against anxiety/depression/insomnia. This study preliminarily explores the research and application value of the P. zhennan aeroponic roots, providing a theoretical basis and new ideas for accelerating the development and utilization of this species' resources.