Influence of hydroponic solution based foliar application on yield and quality of mung bean microgreens

Eaknarin Ruangrak

Urban Agricultural Research Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, Pattani 94000, Thailand

Paweena Hassama

Urban Agricultural Research Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, Pattani 94000, Thailand

Nang Myint Phyu Sin Htwe

Urban Agricultural Research Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, Pattani 94000, Thailand

Keywords: Ammonium sulfate, Chlorophyll, Monosodium glutamate, Nitrate, Nitrite, Urea

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of various foliar nutrient solutions on the yield and quality of mung bean microgreens to identify the most effective formulation for enhancing growth and nutritional content. The experiment was carried out comparing four modified hydroponic foliar nutrient solutions (NSI): NSI, NSI+MSG (monosodium glutamate), NSI+U (urea) and NSI+AS (ammonium sulphate), alongside a distilled water (DW) control on plant growth and pigment, nitrogen, protein and amino acid composition. Results indicated that NSI treatment significantly improved fresh weight while NSI+MSG showed no significant from NSI and DW. Moreover, NSI+MSG and NSI+AS treatments yielded the highest chlorophyll A and B contents, enhancing nutritional value. Carotenoid contents increased notably with the NSI+AS, NSI+MSG, and NSI+U treatments. The study found significant variations in nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium content, with safe nitrate contents maintained across all treatments. Protein content was highest in the NSI and NSI+MSG treatments, highlighting their potential to enhance microgreen nutritional quality. Essential amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan were present across treatments, with phenylalanine detected only in NSI and NSI+MSG. Cysteine was not detected in NSI; only mung bean microgreens treated with NSI+MSG synthesized all four amino acids. In conclusion, NSI+MSG emerges as a promising foliar nutrient solution for optimizing both yield and quality of mung bean microgreens. These findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management in microgreen production, offering insights for sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives.

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