Effect of Growing Media and Foliar Applications on Growth, Yield, and Shelf Life of Mustard (<em>Brassica nigra</em> L.) Microgreens

Abstract

Microgreens are young vegetable greens picked after 7-21 days of seed sowing. The popularity of microgreens has increased in recent years due to short production cycles and the requirement of minimal space. Mustard (Brassica nigra) microgreens are popular but empirical evidence on the effect of growing media and foliar sprays on their growth, yield, and sensory attributes is low. The effects of growing media (coir dust, tissue papers, coir dust 1: compost 1) and foliar sprays (water, Albert’s solution 100 ppm, or Ca (NO3)2 100 ppm) on growth, yield, shelf life, and sensory properties of mustard microgreens were tested in a completely randomized design. Shoot fresh weight (4.21±0.04 g), shoot dry weight (0.73±0.03 g), and shoot height (7.3±0.05 cm), each for 100 shoots, was significantly greater in coir dust medium+Albert’s foliar spray treatment than the other treatments. The shelf life of refrigerator-stored samples (5°C ±1 for 4 days) was significantly greater than those stored at room temperature (27°C±1 for 2 days). The highest weight loss (83.86±1.12%) was obtained in tissue papers+foliar spray of water, stored under room temperature, and the lowest (31.96±1.66%) was reported in coir dust+Albert’s foliar spray under refrigerated conditions. The sensory evaluation indicated the highest preference for taste, odour, color, and overall acceptability of mustard microgreens cultivated in coir dust medium + Albert’s foliar spray. Thus, the mustard microgreens grown in a coir dust medium+Albert’s solution spray and preserved under refrigerated conditions lead to better production and consumer preference.