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EVEC Microgreens
Photoperiod Modulates Morphophysiological Characteristics and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) and Arugula (Eruca sativa L.) Microgreens Under Controlled Conditions
Indoor microgreen production systems are becoming increasingly popular because they can achieve high yields and quality, especially in unfavorable climates
José A. Sánchez-Villegas, Alberto SÁNCHEZ-ESTRADA, Jesús F. Ayala-Zavala, Alma R. Toledo-Guillén, Judith FORTIZ-HERNÁNDEZ, Jorge Nemesio Mercado-Ruíz
Horticulturae · 2026 · https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040439
Abstract
Indoor microgreen production systems are becoming increasingly popular because they can achieve high yields and quality, especially in unfavorable climates and urban settings. Light is a critical environmental factor that influences plant development; however, limited information exists on the effects of photoperiod (PP) on the growth of chia and arugula microgreens and on the associated electricity costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different blue LED light (Light-Emitting-Diode) PPs, 24:0, 18:6, 12:12, and 6:18 h of light:dark compared with natural light, on the growth and biomass production of Salvia hispanica (chia) and Eruca sativa (arugula) grown indoors under controlled conditions (25 °C and 189.4 μmol·m−2·s−1). In chia, shoot length increased (p ≤ 0.05) with shorter PP, particularly under the 6:18 and 12:12 h·d−1 photoperiods, while arugula showed no significant response. Root length and total plant length were unaffected by photoperiod in either species. Leaf area was the most responsive growth parameter, with larger leaves produced under PP of 18 h or more per day. Total chlorophyll content was highest at 12:12 and 18:6 h light:dark. Fresh biomass reached its maximum at 18:6, with 637.6 g m−2 in chia and 883.7 g m−2 in arugula. TOPSIS was used as a multi-criteria decision-making tool for comprehensive treatment evaluation, showing that the 6:18 treatment achieved the highest overall ranking, whereas the 18:6 treatment resulted in the greatest biomass production.
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José A. Sánchez-Villegas; Alberto SÁNCHEZ-ESTRADA; Jesús F. Ayala-Zavala; Alma R. Toledo-Guillén; Judith FORTIZ-HERNÁNDEZ; Jorge Nemesio Mercado-Ruíz (2026). Photoperiod Modulates Morphophysiological Characteristics and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) and Arugula (Eruca sativa L.) Microgreens Under Controlled Conditions. Horticulturae. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040439 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Arugula microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Chia microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: Microgreens the future of urban agriculture and superfoods part i
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