Yield, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Potential of Twenty-Three Diverse Microgreen Species Grown Under Controlled Conditions

Bhornchai Harakotr (), Lalita Charoensup, Panumart Rithichai, Yaowapha Jirakiattikul and Patlada Suthamwong
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Bhornchai Harakotr: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Lalita Charoensup: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Panumart Rithichai: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Yaowapha Jirakiattikul: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Patlada Suthamwong: Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand

Resources, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: Selecting suitable crop species is crucial for optimizing the productivity and nutritional content of microgreens. In this study, twenty-three diverse microgreen species, grown under controlled conditions, were analyzed for yield, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The microgreens were cultivated on a peat substrate in a controlled environment, with a growth period of 6 to 20 days from planting to harvest. Conditions were maintained at 25 ± 2 °C, a 16 h photoperiod, CO 2 concentration of 1000 ppm, relative humidity of 60 ± 2%, and the LED light was set at 330 μmol/m 2 /s PPFD. Results from the analysis revealed that the yield, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant potential differed significantly among the twenty-three microgreen species. Unfortunately, the superior microgreens exhibiting greater values for all studied traits could not be identified. However, the principal component analysis (PCA) clustered red radish, rat-tailed radish, and Chinese kale microgreens, which were high in both yield and bioactive compounds. In contrast, red holy basil and lemon basil microgreens had high levels of these compounds but low yields. Additionally, a high level of anti-tyrosinase activity was observed in garland chrysanthemum, Chinese mustard, and Chinese cabbage microgreens. Therefore, these microgreen species can be utilized individually or in varying ratios to produce bioactive compounds in different concentrations that are suitable for various applications. The information presented in this study provides valuable insights for health-conscious consumers and growers for selecting superior species with functional implications.

Keywords: functional foods; phenolics; flavonoids; tyrosinase inhibitory activity; micro-leaves; indigenous vegetables (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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