PEF Priming of Seeds for Microgreen Production: A Comparative Study

Seed priming with Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) is a promising strategy to enhance early plant development and crop quality. This study evaluated PEF priming effects on Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), Arugula (Eruca vesicaria), and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens by assessing the effects of three distinct monopolar PEF protocols (PEFA: 2 kV/cm; PEFB: 3 kV/cm; PEFC: 4 kV/cm). PEFB and PEFC treatments significantly influenced imbibition. Germination Indexes (DGI, CGI, and SVI) were positively and significantly affected, with radicle length increasing up to 33% and DGI improving from 40 to 66 on the 1st day (Beetroot, PEFC). Chlorophylls and the Total Carotenoid concentration increased in Basil but decreased in Beetroot and Arugula. Fat and Protein increased in Beetroot (Fat: +41%; Protein: +34%) and Arugula (Fat: +91%; Protein: +11%) treated with PEFC. PEFB led to an increase in Starch in all species. Crude Fibre and Neutral Detergent Fibre decreased amongst all species. Methionine rose by 100% in Beetroot treated with PEFC. Sensory analysis showed slight increases in Sweet (Beetroot) and Aroma Intensity (Basil and Arugula), although these changes were not statistically significant. Species-specific responses to different PEF protocols were observed: optimal protocols seem to be PEFC for Beetroot, PEFB for Arugula, and PEFA/B for Basil.