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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Protected Culture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 40783

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alberto Pardossi

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: plant physiology; vegetable crops; greenhouse horticulture; fruit quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Luca Incrocci

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: greenhouse horticulture; soilless culture; nursery crops; plant water relations; mineral nutrition; crop modeling; quality of vegetables; open-field vegetable crops; biofortification; wild edible plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Martina Puccinelli

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: greenhouse soilless culture; crop biofortification; plant water relations; mineral nutrition; wild edible plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is growing interest in indoor farms (or plant factories), which are expressly designed to provide an optimal environment for crop plants. These typically include vegetable and medicinal species. The objective of a precise control of plant growth and development is obtained through a strict control of internal climate and the application of close-loop hydroponic system. Indoor farms have evolved from greenhouse crop environments, from which they differ in location (they are built in an urban environment), dependence on artificial lighting (with obvious effects on electricity consumption) and, often, on multi-layer cultivation (vertical farm is synonymous with indoor farm). The sustainability of indoor farms essentially depends on the reduction in energy consumption and on the increase in production and its commercial value (e.g., through bio-fortification, pesticide-free cultivation, application of specific techniques to improve the nutraceutical quality of fresh vegetables).

The proposed Special Issue on "Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation" aims to present the results of recent research studies or review papers in this field. Original studies on the physiology and growing techniques of plants grown in indoor farms are welcome. Manuscripts on the engineering and energy aspects of indoor farms, as well as on the evaluation of their sustainability and socio-economic implications, will also be considered. We look forward to receiving your manuscripts to share the achievements with the scientific community.

Prof. Dr. Alberto Pardossi
Prof. Dr. Luca Incrocci
Dr. Martina Puccinelli
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

artificial lighting
biofortification
controlled environment agriculture
functional foods
hydroponics
indoor agriculture
indoor farming
leafy vegetables
medicinal plants
microgreens
nutraceutical quality
nutritional quality
phytochemicals
plant factory
soilless culture
specialty crops
vegetables

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Combined Supplemental Lighting and Nutrient Solution Concentration on Fruit Production and Quality of Cherry Tomato

by Zhenbin Xie, Jinxiang Chen, Houcheng Liu, Riyuan Chen, Xiaolong Yang, Shiwei Song and Yiting Zhang

Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090990 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

We conducted an analysis on the combined effects of two light conditions (L1: greenhouse natural lighting; L2: greenhouse natural lighting plus supplemental lighting (SL)) and three nutrient solution concentrations (EC, NS1: 3.2 dS/m; NS2: 3.7 dS/m; NS3: 4.2 dS/m) on the growth, fruit production, and quality of two cherry tomato cultivars with different fruit coloring (‘Baiyu’ and ‘Qianxi’). The plants subjected to NS2 exhibited enhanced growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit production. The utilization of SL further enhanced stem diameter, leaf number, and single fruit weight, resulting in higher fruit weight per plant in ‘Baiyu’, which was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The growth, fruit size, and fruit weight of both cultivars cultivated under NS3 conditions were suppressed, while these fruits exhibited elevated levels of total soluble solids (TSS), soluble sugars, vitamin C, polyphenols, fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, and carotenoids. These levels were further enhanced by SL treatment. The improvement of fruit quality through the application of SL was found to be cultivar and EC dependent. In ‘Baiyu’, SL at NS1 significantly enhanced the accumulation of fruit water, minerals (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), TSS, vitamin C, fructose, sucrose, and carotenoids. However, this effect was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The combination of SL and EC 4.2 dS/m (NS3) generally contributes to the enhancement of fruit quality, while SL and EC 3.7 dS/m can ensure consistent fruit production. The yellowish-white fruit cultivar exhibited higher levels of soluble sugars, vitamin C, and polyphenols under L2NS3 conditions compared to the red fruit cultivar, whereas the carotenoid content showed an opposite trend. The findings are anticipated to establish a theoretical foundation for the consistent annual cultivation of cherry tomatoes in protected horticultural settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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12 pages, 5080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Selection of Lettuce Seedlings for Transplanting in a Plant Factory by a Non-Destructive Estimation of Leaf Area and Fresh Weight

by Jaeho Jeong, Yoomin Ha and Yurina Kwack

Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090919 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 530

Abstract

Selecting uniform and healthy seedlings is important to ensure that a certain level of production can be reliably achieved in a plant factory. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential of non-destructive image analysis for predicting the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce and to determine the feasibility of using a simple image analysis to select robust seedlings that can produce a uniform and dependable yield of lettuce in a plant factory. To vary the range of the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce seedlings, we applied two- and three-day irrigation intervals during the period of seedling production and calculated the projected canopy size (PCS) from the top-view images of the lettuce seedlings, although there were no significant growth differences between the irrigation regimes. A high correlation was identified between the PCS and shoot fresh weight for the lettuce seedlings during the period of seedling production, with a coefficient of determination exceeding 0.8. Therefore, the lettuce seedlings were classified into four grades (A–D) based on their PCS values calculated at transplanting. In the early stages of cultivation after transplanting, there were differences in the lettuce growth among the four grades; however, at the harvest (28 days after transplanting), there was no significant difference in the lettuce yield between grades A–C, with the exception of grade D. The lettuce seedlings in grades A–C exhibited the anticipated yield (150 g/plant) at the harvest time. In the correlation between the PCS and leaf area or the shoot fresh weight of lettuce during the cultivation period after transplanting and the entire cultivation period, the R² values were higher than 0.9, confirming that PCS can be used to predict lettuce growth with greater accuracy. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PCS calculation from the top-view images, a straightforward image analysis technique, can be employed to non-destructively and accurately predict lettuce leaf area and shoot fresh weight, and the seedlings with the potential to yield above a certain level after transplanting can be objectively and accurately selected based on PCS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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21 pages, 1852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Cultivation Practices for Reducing Nitrate Content in Baby Leaf Lettuce Grown in a Vertical Farm

by Orfeas Voutsinos-Frantzis, Dimitrios Savvas, Nikoleta Antoniadou, Ioannis Karavidas, Theodora Ntanasi, Leo Sabatino and Georgia Ntatsi

Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040375 - 8 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1234

Abstract

The aim of this research is to introduce innovative cultivation practices that result in reduced nitrate levels in baby leaf lettuce grown under vertical farming conditions while maintaining high productivity. For this reason, three experiments were conducted. The first experiment focused on the impact of two “white” light spectra with a blue:green:red:far-red ratio of 14:32:43:10 (B_lowR_high) and 21:34:36:7 (B_highR_low). The second experiment assessed the effects of two nitrogen supply conditions: sufficient total nitrogen (N₁₅) and limited total nitrogen (N₅), and foliar biostimulant application. In the third experiment, the impact of replacing the nutrient solution in the N₁₅ treatment with tap water for an additional 24 h (TW24) on leaf nitrate content was examined. Results from the lighting experiment revealed no significant effects on agronomical parameters or nitrate content between the two light spectra. Reducing nitrogen content in the nutrient solution reduced leaf nitrate content but negatively influenced agronomical characteristics. Biostimulant application and replacing the nutrient solution with water reduced leaf nitrate content compared to the control and positively affected growth. The most favorable outcomes were observed in plants supplied with sufficient nitrogen and foliar biostimulant but also cultivated for an additional 24 h with tap water (Sp-N₁₅-TW24). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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16 pages, 2189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Seed Spaceflight Storage on Tomato Fruit Quality and Peel/Pulp Mineral and Antioxidant Distribution

by Nadezhda Golubkina, Elena Dzhos, Maria Bogachuk, Marina Antoshkina, Olga Verba, Tatiana Zavarykina, Galina Nechitailo, Otilia Cristina Murariu, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita and Gianluca Caruso

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030289 - 18 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1209

Abstract

The spaceflight storage of seeds is known to cause mutations affecting both their quality and the mature plants originating from them. To study the effects of space stress, tomato seeds of two cultivars (Lotus and Autumn rhapsody) were subjected to half a year of storage at the International Space Station (ISS), and then, sown in a greenhouse to produce tomato fruits. The space-treated plants gave smaller fruits with a stable total yield not significantly different from that of the control plants. Space-treated tomatoes showed significantly higher levels of dry matter, dietary fiber, monosaccharides and citric and malic acids and lower values of oxalic acid compared to the control plants. The pulp of space-treated fruits had 1.44–1.70 times lower levels of carotenoids, while their peel contained a 1.27–1.90 times higher pigment amount compared to the control plants. No significant changes in the total antioxidant activity (AOA), photosynthetic pigments and phenolic (TP) and proline content were recorded in the fruits due to seed spaceflight storage. Contrarily, space-treated tomatoes showed decreased levels of Ca, Sr and Mo and increased Se both in the fruit pulp and peel. The concentration of Fe and especially Pb was lower in space-treated fruit pulp. Positive correlations between Se and dry matter, Ca and Sr, Ca and Co, Ca and Fe, and Cr and carotenoids, and negative correlations between Se and Mo, Se and K, and Mo and dry matter were recorded. The results indicate that seed stress caused by long-term spaceflight affects both the biochemical characteristics and mineral composition of tomato fruits and causes the peel/pulp redistribution of carotenoids as well as macro- and micro-elements, improving Se accumulation levels in the fruit peel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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16 pages, 5933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape and Agriculture 4.0: A Deep Farm in Italy in the Underground of a Public Historical Garden

by Marco Devecchi, Adriana Ghersi, Andrea Pilo and Silvana Nicola

Horticulturae 2023, 9(4), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9040417 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1751

Abstract

Each landscape is the result of an encounter with the culture of a community and the physical features of a territory. The conservation of the historical, artistic, and cultural heritage represents a priority for any society that wishes to draw on references for its civil progress. The aim of the present research is to combine the richness of the historical–cultural heritage with innovative forms of agriculture. It focuses on the recovery, in productive terms, of an air-raid shelter used during the Second World War, located in the center of Varese beneath the Estensi Historical Gardens. The project involves the construction of an underground Vertical Farm (Deep Farm) with the aim of restoring a place of memory, making it more accessible than it is today, and raising public awareness about a new cultivation model. A Deep Farm was designed with a cultivation area in the middle, an educational room, and two hygiene rooms, one at each end of the tunnel. A Vertical Farm was conceived to be shared with local stakeholders to produce vegetables and to foresee an innovative reality in the field of education and tourism. This project has the ambition of representing a model that could be used for similar Italian realities and enhancing meeting places between landscape and modern culture diversities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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12 pages, 2339 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of UV-B Irradiation on Bioactive Compounds of Red Perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) Cultivated in a Plant Factory with Artificial Light

by Hideo Yoshida, Kanae Shimada, Shoko Hikosaka and Eiji Goto

Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080725 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of UV-B irradiation 3 days prior to harvest, on the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and anthocyanin, and the expression of genes related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways, in red perilla (Perilla frutescens L.). In experiment 1, seedlings at 60 days after sowing (DAS) were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 6, and 10 W m⁻² under a 16 h light period; while in experiment 2, seedlings at 45 DAS were subjected to UV-B irradiation at 0 (control), 4 W m⁻² at continuous irradiation, and 6 W m⁻² at 16 h irradiation. UV irradiation of 10 W m⁻² for 16 h negatively affected leaf color, while irradiation at 6 W m⁻² enhanced RA biosynthesis and antioxidant capacity. Continuous UV-B irradiation of 4 W m⁻² increased the RA concentration by 92% compared to the control; however, this effect was smaller than that of UV-B irradiation at 6 W m⁻² for 16 h, 141% higher than that of the control and had a lower antioxidant capacity against UV-mediated ROS overproduction during the dark period. Results demonstrate that 6 W m⁻² of UV-B irradiation for 16 h is suitable for enhancing the RA concentration and content of red perilla. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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12 pages, 2886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Nutrient Solution Electrical Conductivity on the Leaf Gas Exchange, Biochemical Stress Markers, Growth, Stigma Yield, and Daughter Corm Yield of Saffron in a Plant Factory

by Yaser Hassan Dewir and Abdullah Alsadon

Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080673 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

Indoor saffron farming systems under controlled conditions are required to meet the high demand for this valuable crop. The aim of the present study was to determine the flowering, growth, and yield responses of saffron grown using nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 dS m⁻¹). Sprouted saffron corms were cultured for 24 weeks under a volcanic rock-based aerated continuous immersion system. Vegetative growth and leaf gas exchange, but not flowering, were affected significantly by EC levels. The optimal EC in a balanced nutrient solution was 0.7 dS m⁻¹, at which level the highest plant height, leaf area, biomass, photosynthetic rate, number of daughter corms, and percentage of corms ≥ 25 mm were recorded. An EC level of 2.1 dS m⁻¹ decreased the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of saffron but increased biochemical stress marker levels and elevated various antioxidant defense enzyme levels significantly in saffron leaves, possibly reflecting a defense response to the cellular damage provoked by the higher EC level. In terms of nutrient solution EC, 0.7 dS m⁻¹ was optimal in saffron, whereas 2.1 dS m⁻¹ caused oxidative stress that led to reduced growth and daughter corm production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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15 pages, 1162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Flushing on the Nitrate Content and Postharvest Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Var. Acephala) and Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) Grown in a Vertical Farm

by Davide Guffanti, Giacomo Cocetta, Benjamin M. Franchetti and Antonio Ferrante

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070604 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3597

Abstract

Hydroponics is the most widely used technique in closed cultivation environments, and this system is often used for the cultivation of baby leaf vegetables. These species can accumulate high levels of nitrates; for this reason, the control of growing conditions is a crucial factor for limiting their content, especially in protected cultivations. The aim of this work was to reduce nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables grown in a vertical farm while preserving the quality at harvest as well as during storage. This objective was achieved by completely replacing the nutrient solution with water a few hours before harvest (“flushing”). The trials were carried out on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Var. Acephala, cv. Greenet) and rocket (Eruca sativa Mill., cv. Rome). Three independent trials were conducted on lettuce, applying the flushing treatment 24 h and 48 h prior to harvest. One trial was conducted on rocket, applying the treatment 48 h before harvesting. Sampling and related analyses were carried out at harvest and during the storage period to determine chlorophyll, leaf fluorescence, total sugars, chlorophyll (a + b), carotenoids, phenolic index, anthocyanins and nitrate content. Moreover, relative humidity (RH%), O₂% and CO₂% determination inside the package headspace were monitored during storage. The results obtained indicate that it is possible to reduce the nitrate concentration by up to 56% in lettuce and 61% in rocket while maintaining the product quality of baby leaves by replacing the nutrient solution with tap water before harvest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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16 pages, 1662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Products on Basil, Lettuce, and Algae in an Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System

by Teal D. Hendrickson, Bruce L. Dunn, Carla Goad, Bizhen Hu and Hardeep Singh

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070569 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5766

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a sanitation agent for many years. Recently, hydrogen peroxide products have been used to remove algae from irrigation lines and sanitize hydroponic systems between uses. However, hydrogen peroxide can have phytotoxic effects on plants at high concentrations. The goal of this research was to determine if hydrogen peroxide treatments affected plant and algae growth in the ebb and flow hydroponic systems. The research was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture greenhouses in Stillwater, OK. Two cultivars of lettuce, ‘Green Forest’ and ‘Tropicana’, and two cultivars of basil, ‘Aroma II’ and ‘Genovese’, were transplanted into the ebb and flow hydroponic systems, and three different hydrogen peroxide products, PERpose Plus, ZeroTol, and 3% hydrogen peroxide, were applied at different rates and combinations in two experiments. Shoot fresh weight in lettuce was found to be significantly greater in control and 3% hydrogen peroxide treatments for both cultivars; however, in ‘Tropicana’ those treatments were not different from any other treatment. Greater amounts of PERpose Plus and ZeroTol, such as 60 mL, restricted plant growth in lettuce, whereas only cultivar differences for SPAD and plant width were reported for basil. Algae growth was not significantly controlled by any treatment in this research based on algae counts, weights, or spectrometer readings. However, algae species quantification did show that Microspora tumidula was found in the greatest concentrations in control, with a 96.0%, 99.2%, 94.0%, and 97.9% reduction in the 15 mL ZeroTol, 60 mL ZeroTol, 15 mL PERpose Plus, and 3% hydrogen peroxide treatments, respectively. Other algae genera identified included Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas, Gloeocystis, Tetraspora, Leptolyngbya, Pennate diatoms, and Centric diatoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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17 pages, 3077 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Nonthermal Plasma (NTP) on the Growth and Quality of Baby Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. acephala Alef.) Cultivated in an Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

by Giulia Carmassi, Fatjon Cela, Alice Trivellini, Francesca Gambineri, Lamberto Cursi, Antonio Cecchi, Alberto Pardossi and Luca Incrocci

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030251 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

The aim of this research was to develop an effective protocol for the application of nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology to the hydroponic nutrient solution, and to investigate its effects on the growth and quality of baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. acephala Alef.) grown in a hydroponic growing system (HGS) specifically designed for indoor home cultivation. Four HGSs were placed in separate growth chambers with temperature of 24 ± 1 °C and relative humidity of 70 ± 5%). Lettuce plants were grown for nine days in nutrient solutions treated with NTP for 0 (control) to 120 s every hour. Results of the first experiments showed that the optimal operating time of NTP was 120 s h⁻¹. Fresh leaf biomass was increased by the 60 and 120 s NTP treatments compared to the control. Treating the nutrient solution with NTP also resulted in greater leaf content of total chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenols, and total antioxidant capacity. NTP also positively influenced chlorophyll a fluorescence in Photosystem I (PSI) and photosynthetic electron transport. These results revealed that the NTP treatment of the nutrient solution could improve the production and quality of hydroponically grown baby leaf lettuce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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20 pages, 7329 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Inclusion of Green Light in a Red and Blue Light Background Impact the Growth and Functional Quality of Vegetable and Flower Microgreen Species

by Matteo Orlando, Alice Trivellini, Luca Incrocci, Antonio Ferrante and Anna Mensuali

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030217 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7469

Abstract

Microgreens are edible seedlings of vegetables and flowers species which are currently considered among the five most profitable crops globally. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for plant growth, development, and synthesis of health-promoting phytochemicals with a more flexible and feasible spectral manipulation for microgreen production in indoor farms. However, research on LED lighting spectral manipulation specific to microgreen production, has shown high variability in how these edible seedlings behave regarding their light environmental conditions. Hence, developing species-specific LED light recipes for enhancement of growth and valuable functional compounds is fundamental to improve their production system. In this study, various irradiance levels and wavelengths of light spectrum produced by LEDs were investigated for their effect on growth, yield, and nutritional quality in four vegetables (chicory, green mizuna, china rose radish, and alfalfa) and two flowers (french marigold and celosia) of microgreens species. Microgreens were grown in a controlled environment using sole-source light with different photosynthetic photon flux density (110, 220, 340 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and two different spectra (RB: 65% red, 35% blue; RGB: 47% red, 19% green, 34% blue). At harvest, the lowest level of photosynthetically active photon flux (110 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) reduced growth and decreased the phenolic contents in almost all species. The inclusion of green wavelengths under the highest intensity showed positive effects on phenolic accumulation. Total carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity were in general enhanced by the middle intensity, regardless of spectral combination. Thus, this study indicates that the inclusion of green light at an irradiance level of 340 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in the RB light environment promotes the growth (dry weight biomass) and the accumulation of bioactive phytochemicals in the majority of the microgreen species tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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16 pages, 5024 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Supplemental UV-B Exposure Influences the Biomass and the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Linum usitatissimum L. Sprouts and Microgreens

by Marco Santin, Maria Calogera Sciampagna, Alessia Mannucci, Martina Puccinelli, Luciana Gabriella Angelini, Silvia Tavarini, Mattia Accorsi, Luca Incrocci, Annamaria Ranieri and Antonella Castagna

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030213 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

The interest in the pre-harvest ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure of crops in indoor cultivation has grown consistently, though very little is known about its influence on the nutraceutical quality of microgreens. Flaxseeds constitute a valuable oilseed species, mostly appreciated for their nutritional properties and the presence of health-promoting compounds. Therefore, although scarcely studied, flaxseed sprouts and microgreens might constitute a high-quality food product to be included in a healthy diet. This study aims to unravel the effects of pre-harvest ultraviolet-B irradiation on the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of flaxseed sprouts and microgreens grown under artificial conditions. The UV-B irradiation decreased the biomass and stem length of microgreens. However, the content of total phenolics and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity were strongly enhanced by the UV-B treatment in both sprouts and microgreens. Among photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and lutein in sprouts were reduced by the treatment, while chlorophyll b increased in microgreens. In conclusion, our results showed that growing flaxseed sprouts and microgreens in controlled conditions with supplemental UV-B exposure might increase their nutritional and nutraceutical quality, as well as their antioxidant capacity, making them high-quality functional foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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16 pages, 1818 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Can Light Spectrum Composition Increase Growth and Nutritional Quality of Linum usitatissimum L. Sprouts and Microgreens?

by Martina Puccinelli, Rita Maggini, Luciana G. Angelini, Marco Santin, Marco Landi, Silvia Tavarini, Antonella Castagna and Luca Incrocci

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020098 - 22 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5344

Abstract

Flaxseed could be suitable for obtaining high-quality sprouts and microgreens thanks to high amounts of nutrients and antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer compound content in its seeds. Recent studies highlighted that seedling growth, nutritional compound, and secondary metabolite content can be strongly managed by regulation of the light spectrum used during germination. The present study intended to shed light on flaxseed as emerging and novel species for sprouts and microgreens and to evaluate the effect of light, with different spectrum compositions (100% blue, 100% red, 100% green, and red:green:blue—1:1:1) on the performance of flax microgreens and sprouts grown indoors under controlled conditions. Microgreens showed, compared to sprouts, a higher chlorophyll (+62.6%), carotenoid (+24.4%), and phenol content (+37.8%), antioxidant capacity (+25.1%) and a lower dry matter content (−30.7%). Besides, microgreens treated with 100% blue light were characterized by the highest content of flavonoids (2.48 mg CAE g⁻¹ FW), total phenols (3.76 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW), chlorogenic acid (1.10 mg g⁻¹ FW), and antioxidant capacity (8.06 µmol TEAC g⁻¹ FW). The paper demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining flax sprouts and microgreens indoors with a considerable antioxidant capacity and health-promoting compounds by modulating the light spectrum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Farming and Artificial Cultivation)

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