Effect of growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea) microgreens on different growing Medias in indoor condition

Abstract

Microgreens are fresh, edible vegetables considered as good nutritional benefits because of presence of their high minerals. Microgreens provides an intense experience that will elevate the overall flavor of any dishes. Microgreen cultivation leads to the biodiversity protection by selecting wild species which gives high nutrient content. In this studies, by using 5 different growing medias as treatments the experiment is conducted. The experimental material comprised of five growing medias like Soil, Water, Vermicompost, Cocopeat and FYM. Observations were recorded in five randomly chosen plants for emergence of seeds (%), plant height (cm), plant weight (gm) and days taken to harvest, yield per tray (gm) and yield per hectare (kg). The character emergence of seeds day 3 were shown a early performance on treatment (T1 and T5). The treatment (T4) cocopeat were shown a highest plant height (cm) at harvest day 7. Plant weight (gm) were shown highest performance on (T3) vermicompost. Days to taken for harvest (T3) vermicompost was showed a early performance and the yield per tray (gm) treatment (T3) were showed a highest yield. Introduction Microgreens are began appearing on the menu of restaurant in many cities as a salad. First it has appeared in California, United States, in the early 1980's. While they were initially used as a form of garnish, chef's now realize they also add flavor and visual appeal when included in all types of doses and recipes. Microgreens provides an intense experience that will elevate the overall flavor of any dishes. Mustard is a very important crop. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae and the scientific name of mustard is Brassica juncea, chromosome number is 2n=32. It is originated in southern Mediterranean region and brown mustard is introduced from china to north India and later it is widely distributed to whole over the world. Micro greens also known as vegetable confetti or micro herbs when referring to aromatic herbs. Microgreen cultivation leads to the biodiversity protection by selecting wild species which gives high nutrient content. Healthy diet through microgreens regulates weight gain, cholesterol and protects from cardiac diseases. Mustard microgreens are capable for fighting with diabetes, clear out sinuses, and helps to relieve congestion. These acts as detoxifying agent to purify and strengthen the blood, diuretic to support kidney function. Microgreens cure anaemia, reduces the risk of eye diseases, maintains the strong and healthy bones and promotes blood clotting. Mustard microgreens stimulates blood circulation and effective against fever and colds. Microgreens contain more nutrient and less microbial contamination than sprouts. Due to increase in consumer awareness about microgreens importance, short production cycle leads to the demand in these years. Controlled environmental agriculture allows year-round harvesting of microgreens and the manipulation of light quantity and quality to alter nutritional attributes of plants. Microgreens generate little or no food wastage during consumption as no biomass gets wasted as trimming. Microgreens are difficult to store, due to their high surface area to volume ratio, high respiration rate, and delicate leaves that easily wilt, rapid post-harvest decay transpiration, leakage of nutrient rich exudates, tissue damage and early senescence.