Vicia faba L. microgreens: effect of the variety and substrates on the morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content, and soluble protein

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of variety and substrates on the morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content, and soluble protein of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) microgreens cultivated in a prototype growth chamber.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Microgreens from two local fava bean varieties (T-5 and T-12) were cultivated in aluminum trays under 8/16 h light/dark cycles using 30 W LED bulbs. The substrates evaluated were sand and coconut fiber (CF). The microgreens were harvested eight days after emergence, and morphological variables (fresh weight, height, root length), photosynthetic pigment content, and soluble protein were determined.

Results: The chamber prototype maintained stable environmental conditions (temperature 20-25 °C, relative humidity 65-88%, luminosity 165-206 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Variety T-5 showed higher fresh weight (2.44 g/plant) and height (19.86 cm) in CF compared to sand. Both varieties exhibited greater root length in CF. Only variety T-12 showed higher chlorophyll a (119.47 µg/g FW) and total chlorophyll (171.24 µg/g FW) content in CF. Soluble protein was higher in T-5 cultivated in sand (69.67 mg/g DM). Dry matter showed no significant differences between substrates (10.84-11.91%).

Limitations/Implications: The results are limited to the substrates and varieties evaluated; future studies could include more substrates and adjustments to the photoperiod.

Findings/Conclusions: The morphological and biochemical characteristics of fava bean microgreens were significantly influenced by the variety × substrate interaction, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate substrate according to the variety to optimize production and nutritional quality.