Effects of Concentration of Nutrient Solution, Plant Size at Harvest, and Light Condition before Harvest on the Ascorbic Acid and Sugar Concentrations in Leaves of Hydroponically Grown Komatsuna (Brassica campestris L. rapifera group)

Abstract

Komatsuna 'Osome', cultured with lower concentrations of nutrient. solutions, raised AsA and sugar concentrations in leaves. Komatsuna plants harvested when the length of the longest leaf was about 25 cm, contained the highest concentration of AsA. Sugar concentration was independent of the plant size at harvest. The light condition before and at harvest had much affect on sugar concentration. Sugar concentration was high when harvested in the afternoon of a sunny day, whereas, it was low when harvested on the next morning of the day during which komatsuna were shaded.