Influence of Nutrient Solutions in an NGS® Soilless System on the Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Commercial Mint at Different Harvest Times

Abstract

The optimal fertilizer concentration for Mentha plants is contingent on the growing systems and harvest time, serving as operational solutions to control and enhance quality and yield. This study aimed to determine the effects of three macronutrients concentration in hydroponic nutrient solution (HNS) during three harvest times on the growth, quality, yield, and shelf life of three mint species (M. spicata L. var. viridis (MV); M. piperita L. (MP); M. spicata L. var. rubra (MR)) grown in a New Growing System (NGS®). Total dry matter (DM), nitrate (NO3−), phosphate (PO43−), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentrations were increased with the addition of higher levels of nutrient fertilization in three species. When the ion concentration of the HNS was increased, total fresh yield decreased. The highest total bacterial count (TBC) was obtained in MR species in the three harvests in all the levels of HNS. The lowest browning potential (BP) and soluble o-quinone (So-Q) levels were observed at second harvest in the MR species with the application of one of the two HNS high in nitrogen (N). In conclusion, the combination of optimal HNS ion concentration and appropriate species is considered essential to obtain suitable yield, quality, and ensure shelf life of mint.

It Runs in the Family: The Importance of the Lamiaceae Family Species

“…Plant growth condition and the cultivation practices are important for a successful yield and quality of fresh commodities, with soilless systems being superior towards field conditions. In a study of Hazrati et al [12], the optimal mineral levels and harvesting time for three Mentha species were determined, indicating that increased mineral levels affected positively yield but the increased nitrogen concentration in nutrient solution had a negative effect on specific quality parameters, such as higher NO 3 − content, especially at the third harvest time. Therefore, it is important to tailor the hydroponic nutrient solutions to specific plant species and environmental conditions for achieving optimal yields and quality in commercial mint cultivation.…”