Abstract
Light quality exerts considerable effects on crop development and phytochemical content. Moreover, crops grown as microgreens are ideal for plant factories with artificial lighting, since they contain greater amounts of bioactive compounds compared to fully-grown plants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of broad-spectra light with different red/blue ratios on the yield, morphology, and phytochemical content of seven microgreens. Mustard, radish, green basil, red amaranth, garlic chives, borage, and pea shoots were grown in a vertical farming system under three light sources emitting red/blue ratios of about 2, 5, and 9 units (RB2, RB5, and RB9, respectively). Mustard exhibited the most profound color responses. The yield was enhanced in three microgreens under RB9 and in garlic under RB2. Both the hypocotyl length and the leaf and cotyledon area were significantly enhanced by increasing the red light in three microgreens each. Total soluble solids (Brix) were reduced in 4 microgreens under RB2. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were reduced under RB2 in 6 and 5 microgreens, respectively. The chlorophylls were variably affected but total the carotenoid content was reduced in RB9 in three microgreens. Overall, light wavelength differentially affected the microgreens’ quality, while small interplays in spectral bands enhanced their phytochemical content.
Highlights
A plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) is an innovative system for food production that utilizes modern technological advancements
Garlic chives, and green basil, the hue angle was greater in RB2-treated microgreens compared to RB5 and RB9, while in radish it was the lowest under RB9 compared to RB2 and RB5 (Figure 1B)
Mean values were computed from n = 24 or n = 6 measurements
Summary
A plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) is an innovative system for food production that utilizes modern technological advancements. PFALs can utilize renewable energy systems and reduce their environmental impact, while vertical farming can be accomplished, leading to considerable land-use efficiency. The latter allows PFAL construction in unused establishments within city limits, in locations that are difficult to cultivate, or in remote regions [2]. Plants have developed pigments and photoreceptors that distinguish the light spectra and participate in the signaling processes [4] Pigments such as chlorophylls (a and b), which capture energy and mainly absorb red and blue lights, and carotenoids, which act as accessory molecules and contribute to photosynthetic energy transduction, are essential for photosyn-
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