Abstract:
Abstract
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) microgreens are immature seedlings with fully developed
cotyledons, often accompanied by true leaves which are emerging as a highly nutritious and
fast-growing functional food, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Optimizing their
growing conditions is essential to improve seedling growth of crop in a cost-effective
manner. Despite global popularity, microgreens in Sri Lanka are mostly limited to tourist-
focused restaurants, with low local awareness and limited research. This study aimed to
optimize the growing conditions to enhance the growth of mung bean microgreens. Three
different experiments were conducted under a completely randomized design with three
replicates to determine the optimum sowing density, the most effective growing medium,
and the best seedling growth stage to harvest. Treatments included three sowing densities (1,
2, and 3 seeds/cm²), four growing media (compost + coir dust 1:1 v/v, compost + paddy husk
charcoal 1:1 v/v, tissue paper with 50 ppm Albert solution, and tissue paper only), and three
seedling growth stages (5, 7, and 10 days after sowing). Results showed that 3 seeds/cm²
gave the highest biomass (127.17a±6.73 g fresh weight; 10.09a±0.38 g dry weight), but based
on growth performance, crop coverage, canopy uniformity, and economic considerations,
the optimal sowing density was 2 seeds/cm². Compost-coir dust mixture was identified as
the most effective growing medium producing the tallest shoots (13.11a±0.23 cm) and the
highest fresh weight (85.91a±10.73 g). Considering yield performance (78.48a±1.58 g fresh
weight; 7.98a±0.16 g dry weight) and sensory attributes, harvesting mung bean microgreens
at 7 to 10 days after sowing was identified as the most suitable stage. In conclusion, the
optimal sowing density was two seeds/cm². The seedling performance was best in compost
and coir dust (1:1 v/v) as the growing medium for harvesting tender seedlings at 7 to 10 days
after sowing. This combination significantly enhanced seedling growth, offering a practical
approach for efficient mung bean microgreen production.
