Joanah Rose Y. Fermin, Raymund Julius. G. Rosales, Micah Benize S. Gregorio-Balbas, Aira Lilac I. Pungtilan and Christian Butch Andrew A. Balbas
Abstract
Two varieties (Black Behi and Bok Choy) of pechay were used as microgreens to determine their response from two substrates (carbonized rice hull and vermiculite). The microgreens were grown under ambient conditions where the temperature and relative humidity 28 ± 2 and 65 ± 5% were recorded. The microgreens were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Harvesting was done 12 days after sowing using a sterilized scissors. Results showed that CRH produced a better growth performance of Bok Choy than Black Behi. Likewise, varietal differences in growth and yield attributes were observed. Microgreens grown in CRH showed that Bok Choy had taller microgreens, longer hypocotyls, and higher fresh weight, ultimately contributing to its higher yield than Black Behi. The yield of Bok Choy was almost three times higher and nearly two times higher than Black Behi in CRH and vermiculite, respectively. Based on the difference between the two substrates, CRH displayed better growth characteristics, particularly taller stature, longer hypocotyls, greater fresh weight, and higher microgreen yields than vermiculite. It can be suggested that CRH must be used for greater yields for Black Behi and Bok Choy, but to obtain more yields the latter variety had a higher yield than the former. Microgreen cultivation is successful for indoor farming. The promotion of microgreens in the Philippines is promising due to their phytochemicals, which benefit human health.