Summary
This controlled experiment evaluated the potential for soilless production of iron-biofortified microgreens by supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with iron chelate at two concentrations (1.5, 3.0 mg/L). While iron enrichment successfully increased Fe accumulation in leaves of purple kohlrabi, pea, and spinach microgreens (but not radish), the intervention triggered antagonistic interactions with zinc and copper uptake across all species. The authors conclude that spinach and pea microgreens are promising candidates for commercial Fe biofortification in soilless systems, despite species-specific variation in growth and photosynthetic responses.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to UK horticultural producers operating controlled environment systems (glasshouses, vertical farms) who may explore microgreen production and biofortification as a high-value crop. However, applicability depends on whether UK market demand and regulatory acceptance of biofortified microgreens justify the additional nutrient inputs and potential mineral imbalances observed.
Key measures
Leaf iron (Fe) concentration; interactions with zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn); plant height; fresh and dry weight; chlorophyll content index (CCI); chlorophyll fluorescence yield
Outcomes reported
The study measured iron accumulation, mineral interactions, growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence yield in four microgreen species (purple kohlrabi, radish, pea, spinach) grown in iron-enriched hydroponic solutions. Iron biofortification increased leaf iron content in most species, with species-specific responses in photosynthetic and growth metrics.
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