Radish Microgreens Research Articles

Optimal Brassicaceae family microgreens from a phytochemical and sensory perspective

Microgreens, also called superfoods, emerge because of their high levels of nutrients, diverse flavour profiles, and sustainable cultivation methods, which make them culinary delights and valuable to a healthy and flavorful diet. The present study investigated Brassicaceae family microgreens, proposing a novel system (quality indices) that allows scoring among them. Fourteen Brassica microgreen species were morphological, phytochemical, and sensorial investigated. The morphological assessment revealed that radish microgreens exhibited the highest leaf area (p < 0.05), while red mizuna demonstrated superior yield. Cauliflower microgreens contained the highest concentrations of ascorbic acid (HPLC-DAD) and total phenolic content (p < 0.05). Phytochemical analysis using HPLC-MS/MS identified over 18 glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. Red mustard and red cabbage showed the highest glucosinolate content (p < 0.05). Watercress exhibited the highest phenolic compound content (p < 0.05), primarily flavonoids, while broccoli and radish contained the highest isothiocyanate levels. Cauliflower microgreens resulted in the most consumer-accepted variety. Appling quality indices scoring system identified radish, cauliflower, and broccoli microgreens as the most promising species. This study underscores the potential of Brassica microgreens as an excellent source of health-promoting phytochemicals with favorable market acceptance, providing valuable insights for both nutritional research and commercial applications.

GROWTH PROMOTION OF RADISH MICROGREENS WITH Trichoderma harzianum INOCULATION

The fungus Trichoderma harzianum is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for use in agriculture. Its application stimulates the growth of radish microgreens, a short-cycle crop, standing out as an agricultural practice that meets the growing demand for healthier crops. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Trichoderma harzianum on the growth and quality of radish microgreens. The research was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized experimental design (CRD) with three treatments and eight replications. The treatments included a control, the application of the fungus on the seeds, and the application of the fungus on the substrate. The phytotechnical and post-harvest characteristics were evaluated. The application of the Trichoderma harzianum to the substrate resulted in a 19.75% increase in yield, a 19.87% increase in the conversion of seed mass into fresh mass, a 2.94% increase in the shoot dry mass, a 2.31% increase in water content, and a 28.29% increase in hypocotyl length compared to the control. The use of Trichoderma harzianum proved to be effective in promoting the growth of radish microgreens.

Effect of Drying Temperatures on Postharvest Nutritional and Chemical Composition of Broccoli and Radish Microgreens

Effect of Drying Temperatures on Postharvest Nutritional and Chemical Composition of Broccoli and Radish Microgreens

Utilization of LED illumination coupled with UV-C irradiation to improve the post-harvest quality of radish microgreens

Utilization of LED illumination coupled with UV-C irradiation to improve the post-harvest quality of radish microgreens

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of metabolic diversity and biosynthesis of glucosinolates and flavonoids in various cultivars of radish microgreens

Microgreens, with their distinctive flavor and rapid growth, have garnered significant attention as a functional and nutritious food. In this study, we performed a thorough targeted metabolomic study using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) on four distinct cultivars of radish microgreens, namely Champion Radish (CR), White Radish (WR), Hailstone Radish (HR), and China Rose Radish (CRR), in order to better understand the metabolic foundation of the nutritional value of these microgreens. A total of 1411 metabolites were found and more than a third of the total number of metabolites were accounted for by flavonoids (FL), phenolic acids, lignans, coumarins and glucosinolates (GL). Significant variations were found in the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in each pairwise comparison of cultivars, according to further comparative analysis. The comparison of CR with the other groups identified more than 400 DAM and about 10,000 DEG, the most abundant DAM being FL, and the results showed that CR was very different from WR, HR and CRR. A total of 33 GL were newly found in radish microgreens and classified into 8 categories according to their side chains. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and biosynthetic pathway analysis revealed the distinctive relationship between gene expression levels and characteristic GL and FL. This work aimed to provide fresh insights into the differences in metabolite profiles among radish microgreens of various cultivars in addition to establishing a theoretical framework for improving the genetic quality of radish microgreens.

Preharvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatment Affects the Mineral Profile, Metabolites, and Antioxidant Capacity of Radish Microgreens Produced without Substrate.

This study investigated the impact of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) application on the nutritional content and yield of five different colored radish microgreens. Microgreens were produced without substrate and subjected to 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM MeJA treatments on the 7th day, three days before harvest. The parameters measured included yield, dry matter, minerals, amino acids, secondary metabolites such as chlorophylls (Chls), anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolics, glucosinolates (GSLs), vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity. MeJA at 1.0 mM generally improved yield and dry weight across cultivars, and all microgreens exhibited rich mineral and amino acid composition, with the influence of cultivar being more significant than MeJA treatment. However, MeJA enhanced all cultivars' anthocyanins, GSLs, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Generally, as the antioxidant capacity is the primary factor influencing the nutritional quality of microgreens, MeJA-treated microgreens, especially with selected superior cultivars such as 'Asia purple' and 'Koregon red', could offer a potential for cultivation of value-added, eco-friendly microgreens with substrate-free cultivation.

Non-destructive real-time analysis of plant metabolite accumulation in radish microgreens under different LED light recipes.

The future of human space missions relies on the ability to provide adequate food resources for astronauts and also to reduce stress due to the environment (microgravity and cosmic radiation). In this context, microgreens have been proposed for the astronaut diet because of their fast-growing time and their high levels of bioactive compounds and nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, etc.), which are even higher than mature plants, and are usually consumed as ready-to-eat vegetables. Our study aimed to identify the best light recipe for the soilless cultivation of two cultivars of radish microgreens (Raphanus sativus, green daikon, and rioja improved) harvested eight days after sowing that could be used for space farming. The effects on plant metabolism of three different light emitting diodes (LED) light recipes (L1-20% red, 20% green, 60% blue; L2-40% red, 20% green, 40% blue; L3-60% red, 20% green, 20% blue) were tested on radish microgreens hydroponically grown. A fluorimetric-based technique was used for a real-time non-destructive screening to characterize plant methabolism. The adopted sensors allowed us to quantitatively estimate the fluorescence of flavonols, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll via specific indices verified by standardized spectrophotometric methods. To assess plant growth, morphometric parameters (fresh and dry weight, cotyledon area and weight, hypocotyl length) were analyzed. We observed a statistically significant positive effect on biomass accumulation and productivity for both cultivars grown under the same light recipe (40% blue, 20% green, 40% red). We further investigated how the addition of UV and/or far-red LED lights could have a positive effect on plant metabolite accumulation (anthocyanins and flavonols). These results can help design plant-based bioregenerative life-support systems for long-duration human space exploration, by integrating fluorescence-based non-destructive techniques to monitor the accumulation of metabolites with nutraceutical properties in soilless cultivated microgreens.

Effects of harvest day after first true leaf emergence of broccoli and radish microgreen yield and quality

Effects of harvest day after first true leaf emergence of broccoli and radish microgreen yield and quality

Evaluation of Morpho-Physiological Traits and Phytochemical Composition of Selected Microgreens

People are becoming more conscious about nutritional food because of the significant increase in diseases. Again, agricultural land is decreasing which creates a scarcity of nutritional foods. In this context, microgreens can be an excellent option as they can be grown in a controlled environment using various vertical farming. Microgreens are leafy green vegetables whose edible parts are harvested at the seedling stage. For successful further incorporation into the global food system and evaluation of their nutritional impacts, it is essential to determine microgreens morpho-physiological and nutritional properties. There were two phases of this experiment- investigating morpho-physiological parameters and evaluating biochemical parameters of the selected microgreens under laboratory conditions. The whole experiment was carried out under CRD with four replications. Eight vegetables are treated as mustard (Brassica juncea L.), radish (Raphanus sativus), chia (Salvia hispanica), red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor Linn), coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativul L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var.). Among these microgreens, the best performed four vegetables (mustard, radish, chia and red amaranth) were selected for evaluating biochemical parameters. This study found that radish microgreens provided better performance concerning morphological characteristics among the eight microgreens and red amaranth microgreens showed the highest bio-active compounds, protein, minerals and anti-oxidant activity among the four microgreens tested.

Shoot Yield and Mineral Nutrient Concentrations of Six Microgreens in the Brassicaceae Family Affected by Fertigation Rate

Microgreens have become an important specialty crop valued by their varying texture, vibrant colors, and nutrient-dense features. As the number of species and cultivars rapidly increases for microgreen production, fertigation requirements in relation to shoot production and nutrient compositions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the shoot yield, visual quality, and mineral nutrient concentrations of six microgreens in the Brassicaceae family including the ‘Waltham’ broccoli, ‘Red Acre’ cabbage, Daikon radish, ‘Red Russian’ kale, pea, and Rambo radish in two experiments in December 2020 and January 2021. Each microgreen was fertigated with 120 mL of fertilizer solution daily for five consecutive days with a rate of 0, 70, 140, 210, or 280 mg·L−1 N from a general-purpose fertilizer. Broccoli, Daikon radish, and kale similarly produced the highest fresh shoot weights of 916.5 to 984 g·m−2 in December 2020, while pea produced the highest fresh shoot weight of 2471 g·m−2 in January 2021 among cultivars. The fertigation rates of 140, 210, and 280 mg·L−1 N resulted in similar fresh and dry shoot weights of selected microgreens, suggesting 140 mg·L−1 N should be sufficient for microgreen fertilization. Mineral nutrients in microgreens varied among cultivars: pea microgreens had the highest nitrogen (N) concentrations of 70.6 to 75.2 mg·g−1 in December 2020 and 72.1 to 75.4 mg·g−1 in January 2021; and cabbage microgreens were rich in calcium (Ca) in both experiments. The kale, pea, and Rambo radish microgreens contained the highest concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in December 2020. The fertigation rate affected macronutrient concentrations but did not affect micronutrient concentrations including Fe, Mn, or zinc (Zn).

Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compounds from Four Radish Microgreen Cultivars Based on Ultrasonic Cell Disruption and HS-SPME/GC-MS.

The ultrasonic cell disruption method was used to efficiently extract isothiocyanates and other volatile compounds from radish microgreens. A total of 51 volatiles were identified and quantified by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) in four radish microgreen cultivars, mainly including alcohols, aldehydes, isothiocyanates, sulfides, ketones, esters, terpenes, and hydrocarbons. The correlation between cultivars and volatile compounds was determined by chemometrics analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering heat maps. The aroma profiles were distinguished based on the odor activity value (OAV), odor contribution rate (OCR), and radar fingerprint chart (RFC) of volatile compounds. This study not only revealed the different flavor characteristics in four cultivars but also established a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of radish microgreen flavors.

Ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Radish microgreens extract and their potential photocatalytic degradation of toxic crystal violet and pyronin Y dyes and antibacterial studies

Ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Radish microgreens extract and their potential photocatalytic degradation of toxic crystal violet and pyronin Y dyes and antibacterial studies

Radish microgreens produced without substrate in a vertical multi-layered growing unit are rich in nutritional metabolites.

Growing microgreens on trays without substrate in a vertical multilayered growing unit offers several advantages over traditional agriculture methods. This study investigated the yield performance and nutritional quality of five selections of radish microgreens grown in sprouting trays, without a substrate using only water, in an indoor multilayer cultivation system using artificial light. Various parameters were measured, including fresh weight, dry matter, chlorophyll, minerals, amino acids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, glucosinolates, and antioxidant activity with four different in vitro assays. After ten days, the biomass had increased by 6-10 times, and the dry matter varied from 4.75-7.65%. The highest yield was obtained from 'Asia red', while the lowest was from 'Koregon red'. However, 'Koregon red' and 'Asia red' had the highest dry matter. 'Asia red' was found to have the highest levels of both Chls and vitamin C compared to the other cultivars, while 'Koregon red' exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. Although variations in the levels of individual glucosinolates were observed, there were no significant differences in the total content of glucosinolates among the five cultivars. 'Asia purple' had the highest anthocyanin content, while 'Asia green 2' had the lowest. The K, Mg, and Na concentrations were significantly highest in 'Asia green 2', and the highest Ca was recorded in 'Asia purple'. Overall, 'Asia purple' and 'Koregon red' were the best cultivars in terms of nutritional quality among the tested radish microgreens. These cultivars exhibited high levels of dry weight, total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, essential and total amino acids, and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the implementation of this vertical cultivation method for microgreens, which relies solely on water and seeds known for their tall shoots during the sprouting could hold promise as a sustainable approach. This method can effectively be utilized for cultivar screening and fulfilling the nutritional and functional needs of the population while minimizing the environmental impacts associated with traditional agriculture practices.

Organic waste compost and spent mushroom compost as potential growing media components for the sustainable production of microgreens.

Microgreens are emerging specialty crops becoming increasingly popular for their rich nutrient profile and variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The growing medium is a significant key factor in microgreen yield, quality, and sustainability. The widespread use of peat-based media raises questions regarding the environmental sustainability of microgreens production, and new substrates that are more sustainable are required. To this purpose, a study was designed with the objective of comparing eight alternative growing media evaluating their physicochemical properties and effect on yield, mineral profile, and nutritional quality of peas and radish microgreens. Tested substrates included a standard peat and perlite mixture (PP), coconut coir (CC), spent mushroom compost (SMC), organic waste compost (CMP), and 50:50 (v:v) mixes of PP and SMC, PP and CMP, CC and SMC, and CC and CMP. The physicochemical properties widely differed among the alternative substrates tested. SMC had high electrical conductivity and salt concentration, which resulted in poor seed germination. Growing media tested significantly influenced the production and nutritional quality of both microgreen species and variations were modulated by the species. With a 39.8% fresh yield increase or a small yield decrease (-14.9%) in radish and peas, respectively, PP+CMP (50:50, v/v) mix provided microgreens of similar or higher nutritional quality than PP, suggesting the potential of substituting at least in part peat with CMP. Using locally available CMP in mix with PP could reduce the microgreens industry reliance on peat while reducing costs and improving the sustainability of the production of microgreens. Further research is needed to evaluate also the potential economic and environmental benefits of using locally available organic materials like CMP as alternative growing media and peat-substitute to produce microgreens.

Antioxidant Capacity and Shelf Life of Radish Microgreens Affected by Growth Light and Cultivars

Microgreens are young, immature vegetables that contain higher concentrations of active compounds compared to mature vegetables and seeds. Radish microgreens are a good source of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The production of microgreens is limited by their short shelf life due to higher dark respiration and accelerated senescence. The study was performed on three radish cultivars (Raphanus sativus L.): purple radish (cvP), red radish (cvR), and green radish (cvG). Radish microgreens were grown in chambers with controlled conditions (24 °C and a photoperiod of 16/8 h) under two types of artificial LED light (45 μmol m−2s−1): under white light (B:G:R) and a blue/red light combination (B:2R). The effect of the two types of light was examined on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after storage at a low temperature (+4 °C). The physiological status of the three cultivars of radish microgreens was examined by measuring the contents of total soluble phenolics, ascorbic acid, proteins, sugars, dry matter, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll as well as the total antioxidant activity. The results revealed that radish microgreens’ antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile depend on the radish cultivar and on the type of LED light used for cultivation. It was shown that B:2R and red cultivar were most beneficial for the synthesis of most of the determined phytochemicals compared to B:G:R, or the purple and green cultivar, respectively. Storage at a low temperature in darkness slowed down most of the metabolic reactions during the first seven days, thus preserving most of the antioxidant activity.

Effect of Application of Biostimulants on the Biomass, Nitrate, Pigments, and Antioxidants Content in Radish and Turnip Microgreens

Microgreens are a functional food that is very appreciated for their good taste and product features. They are produced all year without fertilizers and pesticides. In this paper, the effects of the application of commercial and natural biostimulants on the yield and nutraceutical properties of turnip greens and radish microgreens were investigated. The experiment consisted of four treatments based on biostimulants (Bio-1: TRAINER®; Bio-2: AQUAMIN®; Bio-3: leaf moringa extract; C: distilled water (control)) applied in two species (turnip greens and radish). Fresh and dry biomass, nitrate content, pigments, antioxidants, and antioxidant activity were measured. All biostimulants promoted biomass (both fresh and dry) accumulation in the radish but not in turnip greens. The treatment with biostimulant did not affect plant growth in the radish, while a depressive effect of Bio-1 upon plant growth was observed in turnip greens (−19% smaller than control). In radish, Bio-3 led to microgreens with the highest chlorophyll a content (+75% with respect to the control). Bio treatments did not affect the Chl (a, b, total) content in turnip greens. Biostimulants significantly lowered the nitrate content compared to the control (−27% nitrates) and significantly promoted TPC (+19% over the control) in the radish. They also stimulated antioxidant activity (DPPH), with the highest value in Bio-1, in the turnip, and in Bio-2 and Bio-3, in the radish. Conclusively, biostimulant treatments showed a positive effect on microgreens and, in particular, on those of the radish, improving various nutraceutical parameters.

The effect of mineral nutrition on yield, nutritional value and consumer safety of radish microgreens under different photoperiods

The effect of mineral nutrition on yield, nutritional value and consumer safety of radish microgreens under different photoperiods

Impact of various substrates on the physicochemical properties of radish microgreens

Impact of various substrates on the physicochemical properties of radish microgreens

Influence of light parameters on the cultivation of oil radish microgreens

Relevance. The technology of growing microgreens of individual vegetables had been previously studied in literature. However, the issues of the influence of light parameters on the cultivation of oil radish microgreens have not been studied enough.Methods. The model crop was oil radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleifera Metzg., variety Tambovchanka). Water was used as a substrate. With the use of LED lamps in the cultivation of oil radish microgreens, 4 series of experiments were carried out in March and October. All experiments were carried out in 4 replications. Seed weight — 5g per container with an area of 144 cm2. Weight of 1000 seeds — 14 g, seed germination — 96%. The average daily temperature for growing oilradish was 25 °C. Phytolamps of the laboratory "Intellect" ( Tula) include 72 pairs of LEDs in 2 versions: 1) 3 red, 1 blue (54 pairs of red, 18 pairs of blue); 2) 7 red, 1 blue (63 pairs of red, 9 pairs of blue). Phytolamps were turned on for 12 hours. The average level of illumination is 2700–2800 lux, the level of PAR is 42 µmol/(m2·s).Results. In spring, with an increase in the length of daylight hours, the indicators of the number and mass of seedlings of oil radish microgreens increase. In autumn, the number and weight of seedlings grown in daylight (with and without additional lighting by phytolamps) is affected by the number of sunny days. Additional lighting with phytolamps increases the mass of seedlings if the values of the parameters of the leading environmental factors are in the optimum zone. The ratio of red and blue LEDs 3:1 (54 pairs of red LEDs and 18 pairs of blue LEDs) was optimal for the development oil radish seedlings in spring and autumn. Additional lighting with phytolamps of 7:1 ratio practically did not affect the growth of seedlings in both terms of the experiment in 2020. This is due to the fact that in the early stages of development plants require more blue light.

Effect of LED lights on the growth, nutritional quality and glucosinolate content of broccoli, cabbage and radish microgreens

In this study, the effects of red (R), blue (B) and far-red (FR) LED lights and their combination (R + B, R + FR, B + FR, R + B + FR) together with white (W) LED light as control, on the growth, nutritional quality and the glucosinolates of brassica microgreens were determined. Fresh and dry weights were increased with W, R, R + FR lights in broccoli and cabbage and with the R + B + FR and B + FR in radish microgreens. Soluble solids content (SSC) (%) was highest with W, R and B lights in broccoli and cabbage. The highest titratable acidity (TA) (%) was determined with B, FR, R + FR, B + FR in broccoli and W, R + FR, R + B in cabbage. In radish, lower TA was determined. In broccoli microgreens, glucoraphanin content and total GSLs were increased with B light whereas in cabbage, the combination of R + B revealed the highest aliphatics, In radish, glucoraphenin was highest in B light and the glucoraphasatin in R, FR, R + FR and B lights.