Work

Interactive effects of air and nutrient solution temperature and CO2 concentration on growth, yield, and quality of fresh-cut culinary herbs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum), cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and sage (Salvia officinalis) are some of the most popular fresh cut herbs, but little information is available on how to cost-effectively maximize their growth and development in controlled environments. Given that cut herbs are sold by fresh mass, the goal is to maximize harvestable fresh mass, while minimizing production time, space, and energy inputs. Our objective was to determine the most effective nutrient solution temperature (NST), carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, and air average daily temperature (ADT) to maximize yield. NST, CO2, and ADT setpoints of 24, 28, or 32 °C, 450 or 900 μmol∙mol‒1, and 20 or 23 °C respectively, were utilized. ADT contributed the greatest to basil, sage, and parsley shoot fresh mass (SFM) accumulation. Increasing ADT from 20 to 23 °C increased SFM of parsley, sage, and basil by 46, 100, and 180%, respectively. Increasing CO2 from 450 to 900 μmol∙mol‒1 increased SFM of parsley and cilantro by 13 and 14% but decreased basil SFM by 12%. Increasing the NST from 24 to 28 °C increased SFM of cilantro by 9%, and sage SFM was greatest when NST was 24 or 28 °C. We conclude that SFM can be maximized by maintaining a 23 °C ADT, 28 °C NST, and 450 μmol∙mol‒1 CO2 for basil and sage, a 23 °C ADT, 24 °C NST, and 900 µmol·mol–1 CO2 for parsley, and a 20 °C ADT, 28 °C NST, and 450 µmol·mol–1 CO2 for cilantro.

Source: Scientia Horticulturae

DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114600

Authors: Seth W. Benjamin, Roberto G. Lopez

Institution: Michigan State University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Growth and Agriculture Techniques

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,000