EFFECT OF BLUE LED POWER AND SELENIUM BIOFORTIFICATION ON THE PRODUCTION AND BIOACTIVE CONTENT OF RED CABBAGE MICROGREENS PLANTS

Abstract

Red cabbage can be consumed in its early growth stage or as microgreens due to its higher nutritional content than mature vegetables, thus attracting attention as a functional food. The use of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is an alternative in indoor farming systems. Light intensity can be achieved through a power-based approach. Optimal blue light is able to efficiently form chlorophyll, assimilate carbon, and grow biomass. Microgreen nutrition can be improved through a selenium biofortification process. The study aims to increase the production and bioactive content of red cabbage microgreens with different blue LED power and selenium concentrations. The study was conducted from October to November 2024 at the Physiology and Plant Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, and the Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University. The study used a split plot design with 3 main plot levels and 4 subplot levels based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The main plot was blue LED power of 12, 15, and 18 watts, while the subplots of selenium concentration treatments consisted of 0, 20, 40, and 60 µM, resulting in 36 experimental units. The results showed that the 18-watt blue LED power treatment was effective for increasing the fresh weight of the shoot and water content. Selenium biofortification treatment with a concentration of 20 µM was effective in increasing carotenoid levels. The 18-watt blue LED power combined with a selenium concentration of 40 µM can increase the highest total anthocyanin content.