Let there be light?
The team conducted an experiment to test the effect of light exposure at different stages of the germination process.
“G” Treatment
Day One: Seed imbibition
Day Two: Seed drying
Day Three: Seeding and incubation in the dark in an enclosed “germination rack” prototype
Day Four: Unsealed blocks placed in light
“L” Treatment
Day One: Seed imbibition
Day Two: Seed drying
Day Three: Seeding and incubation in the dark in sealed covers
Day Four: Sealed blocks placed in light
“D” Treatment
Day One: Seed imbibition
Day Two: Seed drying
Day Three and Four: Seeding and incubation in the dark in sealed covers
The “L” treatment had significantly less germination, so it was dropped from further assessment.
The “D” treatment showed the highest germination rate, but the results produced were not significantly different from the “G” treatment.
Contrary to some existing protocols for baby spinach production, it became clear that initial light exposure was not necessary for proper germination and development. In other words, the dark side wins this one.
Then, looking at the procedure with a full system viewpoint, one treatment stood out as the best one.
Treatments “G” and “D” had similar germination rates. The extra space required and upfront costs of a “germination rack,” meant that “G” and “D” were equal for hitting our germination goals but “G” was more resource-intensive. We decided to abandon the “G” approach because it did not amount to improved germination rates or translate into higher harvestable yields.
In other words, the “D” treatment won because it achieved our germination goals with less resources (space, money, and time).
