Get in touch
Questions about growing, workshops, the cooperative or partnerships? Send us a message and we will reply by email.
Prefer email? Write to erasmus@evec.org.gr
EVEC Microgreens
Variations in photoperiods and their impact on yield, photosynthesis and secondary metabolite production in basil microgreens
Abstract Background The effects of different photoperiods on plant phytochemical synthesis can be improved by adjusting the daily light integral. Photoperi
Mohammad Reza Fayezizadeh, Naser Alemzadeh Ansari, Mohammad Mahmoodi Sourestani, Mirza Hasanuzzaman
BMC Plant Biology · 2024 · https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05448-z
Abstract
Abstract Background The effects of different photoperiods on plant phytochemical synthesis can be improved by adjusting the daily light integral. Photoperiod is one of the most important environmental factors that control growth, plant’s internal rhythm and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Information about the appropriate standard in terms of photoperiod for growing basil microgreens as one of the most important medicinal plants is limited. In this study, the effects of five different photoperiods, 6 (6 h × 3 cycles), 8 (8 h × 2 cycles), 16, 18, and 24 h day − 1 on the yield, photosynthesis and synthesis of secondary metabolites of three cultivars and one genotype of basil microgreens in floating system were evaluated. The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of using permanent light in growing basil microgreens and to create the best balance between beneficial secondary metabolites and performance. Results The results showed that the effects of photoperiod and cultivar on all investigated traits and their interaction on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, proline content and net photosynthesis rate were significantly different at the 1% level. The highest levels of vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, yield and antioxidant potential composite index (APCI) were obtained under the 24-h photoperiod. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained for the Kapoor cultivar, and the highest total phenolic compound and proline contents were measured for the Ablagh genotype under a 24-h photoperiod. The highest yield (4.36 kg m − 2 ) and APCI (70.44) were obtained for the Ablagh genotype. The highest nitrate content was obtained with a photoperiod of 18 h for the Kapoor cultivar. The highest net photosynthesis rate was related to the Violeto cultivar under a 24-hour photoperiod (7.89 μmol CO 2 m − 2 s − 1 ). Antioxidant capacity and flavonoids had a positive correlation with phenolic compounds and vitamin C. Yield had a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, vitamin C, APCI, and proline. Conclusions Under continuous light conditions, basil microgreens resistance to light stress by increasing the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the increase of these biochemical compounds made basil microgreens increase their performance along with the increase of these health-promoting compounds. The best balance between antioxidant compounds and performance was achieved in continuous red + blue light. Based on these results, the use of continuous artificial LED lighting, due to the increase in plant biochemical with antioxidant properties and yield, can be a suitable strategy for growing basil microgreens in floating systems.
Licence and reuse
| Licence | CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0 |
|---|---|
| May we host this PDF? | Yes |
| May we publish a plain-language summary? | No. This licence forbids derivative works. We may report and cite its findings, but not republish a rewritten version. |
| Commercial use permitted? | No — non-commercial use only |
| Share-alike required? | No |
How to credit this work
Mohammad Reza Fayezizadeh; Naser Alemzadeh Ansari; Mohammad Mahmoodi Sourestani; Mirza Hasanuzzaman (2024). Variations in photoperiods and their impact on yield, photosynthesis and secondary metabolite production in basil microgreens. BMC Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05448-z Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NC ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/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: Basil microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: Microgreens and their anti inflammatory antioxidant and preventive potential
- Related reading: Nutritional and sustainability potential of cereal microgreens
- Related reading: The antioxidant capacity of radish microgreens
- Related reading: Microgreens the future of urban agriculture and superfoods part i
About this copy
This is a copy of the published article, hosted by EVEC Athens for free educational use under its open licence. The permanent scientific reference is the DOI above. We have not altered the file in any way. If you are an author or rights holder and want this copy removed, please use our notice and takedown procedure. We acknowledge every request within five working days, and act within ten.
Co-funded by the European Union.
This portal presents the microgreens methodology; the organisation behind it is EVEC Athens — the European Voluntary and Educational Center (evec.org.gr). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Open licence. Except where stated otherwise, the educational materials on this portal are licensed under CC BY 4.0 — free to use, adapt and share, including commercially, with credit. See the licence terms.
Accessibility. We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and publish what does and does not yet meet it — see the accessibility statement. If anything here blocks you, tell us and we will send the material in a format that works for you.