Basil and Lettuce Microgreens Production in Low-Cost Hydroponic Installations, under Operational and Semi-Controlled Conditions

Microgreens produced hydroponically at home, represent a solution of the future due to the advantages it has. The purpose of this research is to analyze certain elements relevant for the microgreens crop (basil and lettuce), simultaneously, in identical low-cost hydroponic platforms, in operational (common spaces) and semi-controlled conditions (plant growing tent). The obtained results were analyzed, both from the point of view of the growing conditions and the influence of light regimes, as well as the development of seedlings, production (fresh weight and dry weight) and quality (total phenolic) of the microgreens. In operational environmental conditions there is a higher variation of the environmental parameters, compared to the semi-controlled environment, but the oscillation of natural light seems to have a better influence on the development of microgreens. Internode length in operational environmental conditions varies for basil between 25.2-35.2 mm, for lettuce between 31.9-32.8 mm, and in semi-controlled environmental conditions, it varies for basil between 25.2-32.1 mm and for lettuce between 30.2-31.9 mm. In semi-controlled conditions, the average fresh weight production achieved by the two species (and four varieties) is 734.73 g m-2 for basil, 809.56 g m-2 for lettuce, and represents 823.74 g m-2 for basil, 777.61 g m-2 for lettuce in operational environmental conditions. The variability of the data recorded for total phenols is very high. Lettuce contains 98-107.33 mg kg-1, and basil 107.67-186.33 mg kg-1 total phenols. Feedback from these tests will be used for final validation of the low-cost hydroponic platform components

Research on the Interdependence Linkages between Soil Tillage Systems and Climate Factors on Maize Crop

The experimental zone of the Transylvanian Plain is characterized by some particular problems for the maize crop due to an oscillating thermal regime; relatively shorter frost-free interval; climatic diversity; mixed relief; and soils with different peculiarities, even from one plot to another. This paper presents the results of research conducted during 2016–2021 regarding the influence of four soil tillage system and two fertilizer doses on emergences and maize yield, in the pedoclimatic conditions of the hilly area of the Transylvanian Plain. In all experimental years, a faster maize emergence was observed in the conventional-plow and minimum tillage—chisel compared to minimum tillage-disk and no-tillage. In a conventional system (control), the yield achieved (7603 kg ha−1) was close to the minimum tillage—chisel system (7529 kg ha−1), and higher than the minimum tillage-disk (6391 kg ha−1) and no-tillage (5178 kg ha−1). The beneficial effect of additional fertilization with CAN 27 (granular nitrogen fertilizer containing magnesium and calcium from dolomite) is found in a better development of plants and on the increase of yield with 356 kg ha−1 compared to the variant with basic fertilization. The yield difference between the two hybrids included in the experiment is insignificant (under 100 kg ha−1)

Effects of Different Edible Coatings on the Shelf Life of Fresh Black Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of edible coatings based on gelatine, oils (sunflower and coconut) and beeswax on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds (total phenols and monomeric anthocyanin content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assays were used) and sensorial attributes of mulberry fruits during a period of storage (0, 2, 5 and 8 days) at 4 °C. The results showed that, in all samples treated with edible films, the degree of firmness was higher and the deterioration weaker compared to the control at day 8 of storage. Edible coatings significantly reduced the rate of deterioration, in terms of total phenolics and anthocyanins, in mulberry fruits over time, and the gelatine-coated mulberry samples (G_Mn) exhibited the best results. In terms of the antioxidant capacity of the coated mulberry, after 5 and 8 days of storage, only the G_Mn samples maintained significantly high DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP values compared to control. Coating improved the sensorial attributes of the mulberry during storage, and gelatine-coated fruits recorded the highest score, followed by layer-by-layer samples (O+W_G_Mn). All edible coatings used to cover black mulberry in this study extended the shelf life of the fruits, while maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds and, consequently, high antioxidant capacity, along with improved sensory qualities, during cold storage

Characterization of Nutritional Potential of <i>Amaranthus</i> sp. Grain Production

The growing demand for nutritious foods has spurred investigations into alternative sources of nutrition beyond traditional options. For this reason, the present study approaches amaranth, which is a plant with high nutritional potential. Based on the unique pedoclimatic conditions of the Somes meadow in Transylvania and the known adaptability of amaranth varieties to diverse environments, we hypothesize that certain amaranth varieties of South American origin will demonstrate their potential for morphological development, grain biomass yield, and quantitative characteristics when cultivated in this specific environment. Our study aims to identify if, based on morpho-productive traits, the six amaranth varieties under investigation in a specific environment are suitable for consumption as functional food. A bifactorial trial was implemented with the following factors: amaranth species and amaranth varieties. Two species and seven varieties of amaranth were studied. Differences are reported between morpho-productive and quantitative traits of the seven amaranth varieties studied in this research. The Pearson simple correlations show that morphological traits moderately contribute to grain fresh biomass yield, while morphological traits and fresh biomass strongly contributed to grains dry biomass yield. Our study shows that while current research offers valuable perspectives on the performance and nutritional composition of amaranth varieties studied, there are recommended more studies conducted across diverse environments