Optimization of light spectrum and intensity to enhance growth and metabolite profiles in green and purple radish microgreens cultivated in a vertical farming system.
Hernández-Adasme C, Martínez V, Flores M, Mestre T, Frutos-Tortosa A
Summary
PubMedWhy it matters This matters because it means the lettuce, radish, and other microgreens you buy — or could grow at home under a grow light — could be significantly more nutritious or productive depending on which light spectrum is used, and growers now have data to make smarter choices.
Scientists grew two types of radish sprouts (green and purple) under indoor LED lights, testing different combinations of light color mixes and brightness. They found that changing the ratio of red to blue light and how bright the lights are can dramatically change both how fast the plants grow and what vitamins and beneficial compounds end up in the greens. The big takeaway: there's no one-size-fits-all lighting recipe — each plant variety needs its own tailored light setup to be at its best.
chevron_right Technical Details
Researchers tested different LED light colors and brightness levels on radish microgreens grown indoors and found that the best lighting setup depends on the specific variety — what boosts growth in green radish may not work the same way for purple radish.
Key Findings
Three commercial LED spectra were tested at red-to-blue ratios of 1.9, 2.1, and 5.5, showing measurable differences in plant growth and nutrient profiles.
Light intensity across three levels (100, 200, and 300 μmol m⁻²s⁻¹) significantly influenced both biomass production and metabolite content in microgreens.
Optimal lighting conditions differed between green and purple radish varieties, meaning light recommendations must be genotype-specific rather than universal.
Abstract Preview
Microgreens have emerged as a promising crop in vertical farming due to their high nutritional value and short growth cycles. Light spectrum and intensity are critical factors influencing biomass p...
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The radish is a flowering plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its large taproot is commonly used as a root vegetable, although the entire plant is edible and its leaves are sometimes used as a leaf vegetable. Originally domesticated in Asia, radishes are now grown and consumed globally. Th...