π± Light Intensity Drives Species-Specific Growth and Phytochemical Accumulation in Microgreens
Microgreens are young, nutrient-dense edible seedlings valued for their rapid growth and high phytochemical content π₯¬✨. Among environmental factors, light intensity plays a decisive role in modulating growth rate, morphology, and secondary metabolite synthesis. Different microgreen species respond uniquely to light exposure, making illumination a key driver of species-specific physiological outcomes. πΏ Species-Specific Growth Responses π Morphological Development Light intensity directly influences plant height, leaf expansion, and biomass accumulation. Low light often promotes elongated hypocotyls as plants stretch toward illumination, while optimal light enhances compact growth and sturdy cotyledons π±. However, excessive light may induce stress responses, reducing growth efficiency in shade-tolerant species. ⚖️ Biomass and Yield Variability Fast-growing species such as radish and mustard exhibit higher fresh weight under moderate-to-high light intensities, whereas delic...