Abstract
The xanthophyll cycle pigments [zeaxanthin (ZEA)+antheraxanthin (ANT)+violaxanthin (VIO)] in plants are vital for energy dissipation of excess absorbed light. It is possible to manipulate xanthophyll cycle pigment levels through exposure to light. The objective of this study was to increase ZEA concentrations in mustard (Brassica juncea L. ‘Florida Broadleaf’) microgreens through exposure to high light just prior to tissue harvest. Mustard microgreen plants were cultured on growing pads in a controlled environment under a 14h photoperiod under 275μmolphotonsm−2s−1. Upon emergence of the first true leaf, light treatments of: (1) 275μmolphotonsm−2s−1; and (2) 463μmolphotonsm−2s−1 were initiated. Microgreen plants were harvested after light treatments had accumulated 36h during the photoperiod. Shoot pigments were measured for pigments using HPLC separation. Significant decreases in chlorophyll a (P≤0.001) and b (P≤0.01) concentrations under the 463μmolphotonsm−2s−1 light treatment indicated high light stress had occurred. There were significant decreases in β-carotene (P≤0.01) and neoxanthin (P≤0.001) in the 463μmolphotonsm−2s−1 light treatment; however, lutein concentrations were unchanged. Increases in ZEA (P≤0.001), and ANT (P≤0.01) occurred under the 463μmolphotonsm−2s−1 light treatment. Increasing the ZEA levels in microgreens with a simple change in light management may be an effective way for producers to enhance the nutritional value of this increasingly popular specialty crop.
Published Version
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