Programmable Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting enhances growth and nutrients of red cabbage microgreens in controlled environments

Abstract

Red cabbage microgreens are high in nutrients and well-suited to controlled environment agriculture (CEA) due to their short growth cycle and space efficiency. This study investigated the effect of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting at different wavelengths and intensities on growth, morphology and nutritional quality. A programmable LED lighting system was used to tailor light exposure throughout different stages of growth, enabling precise control over light spectra and intensity. Blue, hyper-red and far-red, had significant effects on stem length, leaf area and pigmentation (P < 0.00002). Also, blue light enhanced leaf area and improved color uniformity, while hyper-red and far-red lights increased stem elongation and leaf pigmentation. Comparatively, white light had a more moderate effect on both growth and visual characteristics (P < 0.004). A principal component analysis (Principal Component Analysis (PCA)) further confirmed these results with the highest variability observed in pigment content and stem length. Metabolomic analysis revealed increased production of glucosinolates and polyphenols with adjustable and dynamic lighting schedules. These findings can be readily put into practice for the production of microgreens under CEA systems and to potentially contribute to the expansion of urban agriculture efforts.