. 2023 Jan 15;28(2):867. doi: 10.3390/molecules28020867

Table 3.

Important conditions/requirements considered for growing microgreens.

Variables	Conditions/Requirements	Reference
Seeds	Seed quality and seeding density per tray play an important role to attain quality microgreens. Seed treatment effects germination percentage and weight of shoot	[56]
Light	Depending on species and variety of microgreens, light intensity has various impacts on growth. The red-to-blue light (445 nm) and far-red light (730 nm) have been demonstrated to raise carotenoid and photosynthetic pigments. 440 μ mol/m²/s an optimum photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) for the greater yield of microgreens. Fluctuation in PPF value (high or low) than optimal value results in reduced antioxidant and biomass concentrations. The normal development and the nutrient content of the microgreens are hindered when PPF value is low (110 μ mol/m²/s). While high PPF values (545 μ mol/m²/s) caused slight photo stress (photooxidation).	[37,57]
Growing medium	Mainly grown in a soilless substrate-based system, such as vermiculite, perlite, peat, and coconut coir dust, which shows enhanced growth of microgreens. Nutrient solution is supplied that contains all the essential ingredients for growth. Sometimes grown in water along with essential nutrients.	[6]
Pathogen treatment	A variety of plant infections can be a result of microorganisms due to the environmental conditions in which microgreens are grown, which may cause the roots and seedlings to rot. Trichoderma species are used for pathogen control in microgreens and their application as a seeding treatment also enhances the growth of microgreens. Calcium nitrate fertilizer application combined with a liquid fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer treatment enhances growth of microgreens by 20%.	[58,59]
Harvesting	Microgreens can be harvested by trimming the plantlets either physically, using scissors or knife, or using automatic cutting tools. While harvesting, touching the growing medium should be avoided to reduce the contamination. Particles surrounding the seedlings are suggested to be removed as they adhered to cotyledons in many species.	[6]
Post-harvesting	Microgreens are cleaned, chilled to 5 °C for packaging using polythene bags to avoid contaminations. Handled according to all recommended good manufacturing practices to maintain hygiene and good quality. Packing in sterile rooms and maintaining sterile conditions increase the shelf-life of microgreens.	[60]