Growth and bioactive compounds of baby-leaf chicory on colored cultivation benches with different wavelengths

Care for human well-being and health requires the consumption of healthy foods, and therefore, the "babyleaf" gains increased space in the market as they have higher concentrations of bioactive compounds.The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and bioactive compounds of baby-leaf chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) according to the color of cultivation benches with different wavelengths.The experiment was conducted in a non-acclimatized greenhouse, covered with low density polyethylene film with an aluminized screen of 50% shading under the film and 50% shading screens on the sides.In a completely randomized design, five types of benches were evaluated without and with bright reflective colored materials: Control bench without reflective material, a bench with reflective bright white laminate, reflective bright dark red laminate, reflective bright dark blue laminate, and reflective bright yellow laminate.The bright white and yellow laminates amplified the most photosynthetically active radiation.All the laminates enhanced yield of baby-leaf chicory plants, where white, yellow, red, and dark blue enhanced the fresh matter by 102.6%, 50.2%, 60.6%, and 37.4% compared to the control, respectively.The bright dark blue laminates enhanced the bioactive compounds of baby-leaf chicory plants.The bright dark blue laminate enhanced the carotenoid production of baby-leaf chicory plants by 11.0%.The use of colored laminates was effective in the cultivation of baby-leaf chicory, both in terms of yield and quality, with significant increases in fresh matter and bioactive compounds.To provide baby-leaf chicory with higher bioactive content with antioxidant effect (carotenoids) the use of dark blue laminates is necessary; however, if the objective is greater shoot DM it will be white laminates.