Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XX
Written by Irina-Maria ENACHE, Oana LIVADARIU
Regardless of the food diet (raw, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore), consumption of sprouted grains of different plants, especially vegetables, is encouraged, due to their therapeutic, regenerative and alimentary benefits. Seeds and sprouts have in their composition 20 - 30 times higher amounts of enzymes, minerals and nutrients than mature plants. Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) is a medicinal and aromatic perennial herb which belongs to the Asteraceae family. It was chosen for the experiment due to its benefits, the essential oil of tarragon displaying antibacterial, antioxidant, antihyperglicemic activity. The plant is also known for enhancing digestion and having a pleasant spicy aroma. Studies show that light-emitting diode (LED), light exposure improves the quality of the growth, metabolism and accumulation of bioactive substances. As a result, the effect of different LED light colors on Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), seed germination was studied. The Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), seed were exposed to white, red, blue or green LED light, over a photoperiod of 16 hours, for seven days. The red LED exposure determined a higher degree of germination and longer hypocotil height. The blue LED exposure determined a better development of cotyledons. The experimental results obtained contribute with useful information in order to establish a method of easily growing fresh sprouts of Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), for therapeutic and culinary use, under exposure to a low-carbon, power saving and inexpensive lightning means.
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