Design and Fabrication of a Portable Food Drawer Growth Chamber for Vigna umbellata Microgreens

Poster Presentation. CSSP-SABRAO 2024 International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding. Crimson Hotel Filinvest Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. August 12-16, 2024.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), including microgreens cultivation, offers sustainable solutions for production efficiency, environmental safety, and food security. This study documents the ontogenetic development of tapilan (Vigna umbellata) microgreens and establishes a cultivation protocol by designing a microgreens growth chamber prototype. The microgreens growth chamber is designed with a compact 25 x 35 cm single-level drawer cabinet. The drawer box has been modified, leaving only a slim 1.5 inches in height, effectively transforming it into a functional microgreens tray. Using this modified drawer and a LED system installed at the drawer ceiling, tapilan microgreens were grown with paper towels as the substrate, moistened daily with distilled water. Ontogenetic characterization revealed that tapilan seeds germinate in 2-3 days when the radicle and plumule lengths are twice that of the seed (BBCH 08). Light exposure set at the purple light quality is recommended starting at 3 days after sowing (DAS) when leaf development begins (BBCH 10), with LEDs remaining on until harvest. The optimal harvest time (BBCH 12) is at 4 DAS, marked by the formation of V-shaped folded leaves with green lanceolate leaves and purple pigmentation at the epicotyl base. The designed prototype grows tapilan microgreens one day faster than conventional tray methods. These findings provide foundational guidelines for household-level tapilan microgreens production. Future prospects include usage of sensors using Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology and fabrication through 3D printing. This potential package of technology supports sustainable development goals such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

Keywords: controlled environment agriculture, microgreens, Vigna umbellata, growth chamber prototype, design, fabrication