Pranic Energy-mediated Increase of Growth, Canopy, Vitamins and Nutraceutical Metabolites in Brassica sp. Choy Sum

Qi or ‘Pranic’ energy is based on the concept of a subtle universal life force that permeates all physical forms, promoting health and vitality. This energy treatment has previously been applied to enhance plant growth; however, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements. In this study, we investigated the effects of the universal life force as ‘Pranic’ treatment on plants in controlled indoor farming environments using a Brassica leafy vegetable as a model. We studied the effects of the treatments through non-invasive deep phenotyping, time lapse measurements of growth rates and plant architecture, combined with physiological, metabolic and quality traits of the leaf, root and soil systems. Root architecture became more branched and was associated with shifts in metal ion uptake. These treatments induced architectural changes of plants with higher canopy areas, enhanced light absorption for photosynthesis and altered pigment profiles resulting in higher photosynthate levels. Nutritional profiles of seven phenolics and vitamins A, E and K showed increase upon ‘Pranic’ treatment. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the ‘Pranic’ energy treatment induces highly coordinated responses in the plant system have important implications for sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the nutritional quality of leafy vegetables.