The Effect of Light Intensity and Photoperiod on the Yield and Antioxidant Activity of Beet Microgreens Produced in an Indoor System

Microgreens are immature and tender edible vegetables that have become relevant in the market due to their contribution human health as “functional food”. They can be produced controlled environments, allowing more efficient use of space resources facilitating management environmental conditions, such light, temperature, relative humidity. The study’s objective was evaluate impact photoperiod light intensity on red beet microgreens’ yield antioxidant compound content. LED growth lamps (spectrum 75% red, 23% blue, 2% far-red) under two photoperiods were evaluated: 12 16 h, three levels: 120 (low), 160 (medium), 220 (high) µmol m?2 s?1. largest raised 32, 49, 25% phenolic compounds, total betalains, capacity, respectively, but a reduction microgreens obtained compared with shortest photoperiod. low medium intensities promoted highest yield, reaching 460 g m?2; decreased significantly by 22.1% at high intensity. Contrastingly, no effect activity observed evaluated range intensities, except for betalains concentration, which reduced 35% On other hand, resource efficiency (energy water) improved Thus, an between s?1 h favored microgreen’s saved electricity; meanwhile, ameliorated spectrum composed blue:red:far-red = 23:75:2.