Summary
This study investigated how varying magnesium and manganese levels affect the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of hydroponically grown pansy and viola edible flowers. Whilst magnesium enrichment suppressed plant growth and mineral uptake, it enhanced photosynthetic performance; the flowers contained substantial protein, minimal fat, and variable sugars, alongside diverse fatty acids and phenolic compounds with treatment-dependent concentrations. The findings suggest that optimising mineral nutrition in edible flowers may enhance their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, with implications for sustainable horticultural production and functional food applications.
Regional applicability
The hydroponic cultivation method and the focus on edible ornamental flowers as novel food sources may be applicable to controlled-environment horticulture in the United Kingdom, though commercial adoption would depend on market demand and profitability of pansy and viola production. Transferability to field-based systems or conventional UK growing practices requires further investigation.
Key measures
Plant growth, mineral accumulation, photosynthetic performance, protein content, fat content, sugar content (glucose, fructose), fatty acid profiles, phenolic compound concentrations, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity
Outcomes reported
The study measured nutritional composition, free sugars, fatty acids, organic acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds in pansy and viola flowers grown under different magnesium and manganese treatments. Antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic effects, and anti-inflammatory properties of flower extracts were also assessed.
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