Micro-vegetables of Vicia faba L.: effect of substrates on morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content and soluble protein.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two substrates on the morphological characteristics, content of photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) micro-vegetables grown in a prototype growth chamber.

Design/methodology/approach: Micro-vegetables were grown in aluminum trays with 8/16 h light/dark cycles supplied with 30-watt LED bulbs. Two local broad bean varieties (T-5 and T-12), and substrates of sand (S) and coconut fiber (CF) were used. Eight days after emergence, the micro-vegetables were harvested and their morphological characteristics, dry matter, photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein content were determined.

Results: The growth chamber prototype maintained constant environmental conditions during the growth of the micro-vegetables. In fresh weight and plant height, micro-vegetables of the T-5 variety grown in FC had significantly higher values than in S, and the root length of both varieties was greater in the FC substrate. In photosynthetic pigments, only variety T-12 showed significantly higher chlorophyll a (119.25 µg/g FW) and total chlorophyll (171.12 µg/g FW) in the FC substrate. In soluble protein, the T-5 variety grown on S had a higher content (69.67 mg/g DM) compared to FC (49.9 mg/g DM).

Study limitations/implications: The effect of substrates on the variables evaluated could be extended to other types of substrates.

Findings/conclusions: Morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigments and soluble proteins were affected by substrate type in relation to variety.