Effects of Different Combinations of Red and Blue Light on the Edible Organ Morphology and Quality of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Microgreens

Abstract

Buckwheat microgreens are rich in nutrients and have a unique flavor that is favored by consumers. The light environment is closely related to the growth and development of the plant. In order to study the effects of treatments with different combinations of red and blue light on the edible organ morphology and nutritional quality of buckwheat microgreens, five experimental treatments were designed, with energy ratios of red light to blue light of 5:1 (R5B1), 3:1 (R3B1), 1:1 (R1B1), 1:3 (R1B3) and 1:5 (R1B5), respectively, and a white light treatment used as the control (CK). The results showed that different combination treatments of red and blue light had obvious effects on the growth of buckwheat microgreens. The hypocotyl length and main root length of buckwheat microgreens treated with a high proportion of red light (R5B1) were obviously higher than those of other treatment designs. However, contents of soluble protein, chlorophyll, rutin and total flavonoids in buckwheat microgreens showed an increasing trend with an increase in the proportion of blue light. Considering the fresh weight, dry weight and quality indexes of the edible organ, the combination of red light and blue light with a ratio of 1:1 was most suitable for buckwheat microgreen production. The results could provide a reference for the production of buckwheat microgreens.