Potencial de variedades de feijão-caupi do BAG-UFC para uso na produção de microverdes

Abstract

The cowpea culture (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is of great socio-economic importance worldwide. This crop can be explored in different ways, such as dried beans, green beans, pods, and sprouts. However, its consumption in the form of microgreens is not widely explored, even though they are highly appreciated for their attractive appearance, intense flavor, high nutrient concentration, and the fact that they require less space, water, and time to develop. Cowpea contains antinutrients in its composition, which negatively affect digestion and can cause flatulence. There are no studies evaluating these effects when consumed in the form of microgreens. Studies related to the toxicity of substances and foods can be conducted in various ways. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been highlighted for toxicological tests due to its rapid development and physiology, which is similar to that of humans. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of cowpea varieties from the active germplasm bank of the Federal University of Ceará (BAG-UFC) for microgreens production and to determine if consuming cowpea as microgreens has any negative effects on the body. Three experiments were conducted: the first in the Food Engineering Microbiology Laboratory, aiming to evaluate changes in locomotor activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and acute toxicity through open field testing and toxicity testing. The second assay was conducted at Image Pesquisas company, where seed tests were performed to assess the most vigorous varieties, including first count, germination test, emergence test, emergence speed index, and electrical conductivity. The third experiment was carried out in the Vegetable Crops Laboratory of the Department of Plant Science at UFC, aiming to evaluate the biometric and yield characteristics of the varieties. The varieties did not show toxicity or cause behavioral changes in zebrafish. Treatment 2 (CE-092) performed the best in the seed tests, showing higher germination rate and physiological potential. Treatment 2 (CE-092) also outperformed the other treatments in biometric evaluations and microgreens yield.