Title : Microgreens: a new source for food security
Abstract:
Microgreens are plants seedlings produced from seeds of different species. In general, they are harvested for consumption between 7 and 21 days after sowing, when the cotyledonary leaves are fully developed and the first leaves themselves are present or not. The consumption of microgreens has increased in recent years due to their various colors, flavors and textures. The visual aspect has attracted consumers all over the world, mainly due to the effect they provide to salads, garnishes and a wide variety of dishes. Another positive aspect is related to the nutritional benefits for human health, which defines them as “superfoods” since they have a nutritional value superior to those of mature plants, because they have high concentrations of important phytonutrients, vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and lower levels of nitrate. Its superiority is based on the intrinsic characteristics it has, arising from the seeds and the biosynthesis of metabolites influenced by the cultivation environment, which occurs mainly in controlled environment conditions under light emitting diode (LED) lighting that help in the promotion of photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis, helping to regulate many aspects of plant development and growth. Indoor cultivation provides continuous cultivation of microgreens, but still has a high cost for both implementation and maintenance of cultivation. Some strategies in indoor cultivation can reduce costs and become more efficient, increasing the sustainability of the system, among them: 1. Artificial lighting for the production of microgreens can be started after sowing, in some species, with energy savings possible in the first 24 or 48 hours; 2. Optimum height between plant canopy and light source allows for favorable and more uniform Photosynthetically Active Photon Flux Density (PPFD) intensity for space-saving and microgreen growing. 3. It is possible to adjust the photoperiod for energy consumption to be carried out at times when the energy tariff is lower. Thus, the different combinations of quality, intensity, start of exposure and photoperiod of light, promote biometric, morphological, production, physical-chemical, biochemical and nutritional changes in microgreens, making them a functional food for human consumption.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
1. Get to know this new plant cultivation called microgreens
2. The nutritional importance of microgreens
3. How to grow microgreens
4. Growing microgreens in a more sustainable way
(Try to list 3-5 specific items)
- Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn?
The lecture will show in detail the methodologies for growing microgreens that can be used in new research and will also present the nutritional value of microgreens to contribute to the food and nutritional security of the population.
- How will this help the audience in their job?
1. It will bring methodologies for the sustainable cultivation of microgreens.
2. It will bring solutions to the world's malnutrition problem in a short period of time.
3. It will bring a new plant alternative and cultivation possibilities.
- Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching?
Yes, certainly. We can make partnerships between Brazil and other countries in the pursuit of applied research.
- Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient?
Yes. All information presented here has been tested.
- Will it improve the accuracy of a design, or provide new information to assist in a design problem?
Yes, the topic presented is part of my doctoral thesis in which several preliminary tests were carried out, so it is already more precise research.
- List all other benefits.
