The Effects of Sowing Density Applications on Yield and Some Quality Parameters in Different Vegetable Microgreens

Microgreens are plants consumed before reaching maturity. Vegetable seeds are generally used in their production. Microgreens are used in salads and various dishes in terms of their aromatic aspects. It is known that microgreens are an important source of antioxidants. Although microgreens are easy and fast to produce, producers’ lack of knowledge limits the production of microgreens. Seed spacing has also been not correctly verified in previous studies, as well. Within the scope of the study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. cv. ‘Sultani’), carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. ‘Nantes’), leek (Allium porrum L. cv. ‘Hotanlı’), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. ‘Matador’), cress (Lepidium sativum L. cv. ‘Tere’) vegetables were sown at two different sowing densities (the average amount of seeds that can fit on a 1 cm² surface area-dense sowing and 1/3 of this amount-sparse sowing). Plant weight, yield, width of root collar, plant height, water soluble dry matter, ascorbic acid were evaluated. Results indicated that ocra microgreens’weight was higher than the other microgreens’ and had higher values in terms of yield. Ocra microgreens also demonstrated the highest total soluble solids value. The yield of okra, spinach and cress microgreens increased with dense planting. However, it was found that the increase in planting density and the increase in yield were not at the same rate. Cress microgreens had the highest value in terms of ascorbic acid value.