Physicochemical, Agronomical and Microbiological Evaluation of Alternative Growing Media for the Production of Rapini (Brassica rapa L.) Microgreens

Torna indietro

Abstract

Peat-based mixes and synthetic mats are the main substrates used for microgreens production. However, both are expensive and non-renewable. Recycled fibrous materials may be low-cost and renewable alternative substrates. Recycled textile-fiber (TF, polyester, cotton and polyurethane traces) and jute-kenaf-fiber (JKF, 85% jute-, 15% kenaf-fibers) mats were characterized and compared to peat and Sure-to-Grow(®) (STG, 100% polyethylene-terephthalate) for the production of rapini (Brassica rapa L.; Broccoletto group) microgreens.Results: All substrates had suitable physicochemical properties for the production of microgreens. Microgreens fresh-yield was on average 1,502 g m(-2) in peat, TF and JKF, and was 13.1% lower with STG. Peat-grown microgreens shoots had higher concentration of K(+) and SO4 (2) (-) , and two-fold higher NO3 (-) concentration [1,959 vs 940 mg kg(-1) of fresh weight (FW)] than those grown on STG, TF, and JKF. At harvest, substrates did not influence microgreens aerobic-bacterial populations (log 6.48 CFU g(-1) FW). Peat- and JKF-grown microgreens had higher yeast-mould counts than TF- and STG-microgreens (log 2.64 vs 1.80 CFU g(-1) FW). Peat-grown microgreens had the highest population of Enterobacteriaceae (log 5.46 ± 0.82 CFU g(-1) ), and E. coli (log 1.46 ± 0.15 CFU g(-1) ). E. coli was not detected in microgreens grown on other media.Conclusion: TF and JKF may be valid alternatives to peat and STG, as both assured competitive yield, low nitrate content, and similar or higher microbiological quality.

Autore Pugliese

Tutti gli autori

  • Di Gioia F.; De Bellis P.; Mininni C.; Santamaria P.; Serio F.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Journal of the science of food and agriculture

Anno di pubblicazione

2016

ISSN

1097-0010

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

Non Disponibile

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile