Effects of Photoperiods, Electrical Conductivity, and Black Liquor Supplement on Sinigrin concentration and Myrosinase Activity in Brassicaceae Microgreens

Edible Brassicaceae microgreens are gaining popularity due to their unique eating quality, and potential health-promoting benefits (e.g., anticancer and antibacterial properties) from their natural metabolites (e.g., glucosinolates). This thesis studied the effects of photoperiods and electrical conductivity of nutrient solution on sinigrin content and myrosinase activity in kale, mustard, and broccoli microgreens grown in indoor controlled environments. Results showed sinigrin content and myrosinase activity decreased as the photoperiod increased from 6 to 24 h. However, the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution from 1.00 to 2.00 mS/cm had no effect on sinigrin concentration and myrosinase activity of the microgreens. Supplementing the nutrient solution with black liquor, which is a byproduct from the pulping process of paper manufacturing industries, from 5 to 15% v/v, significantly increased the yield of broccoli microgreen. However, the sinigrin concentration decreased while myrosinase activity marginally increased with increasing black liquor concentration to 10 and 20% v/v. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and TruLeaf Inc. 2022-04-21