Though the seeds do not require nutrient application for germination initially,they require nutrients for proper growth and development. Thus, it is essential to grow plants under different concentration of nutrient solution with a control to determine the optimum concentration for maximum growth which can be derived through growth curve.In an experiment conducted on Brassica microgreens to study the impact of light intensity and quality of sole source LED on their growth, morphology and nutrient content, 25% Hoagland’s no. 1 nutrient solution was applied to the microgreens after 5 days of sowing to provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper,boron and molybdenum.There are many different liquid fertilisers commercially available in the market for microgreens.
In an experiment conducted to compare the nutrient content on cabbage and lettuce microgreens grown on vermin compost and hydroponic growing pads, used 0.4% solution of General Hydroponics “FloraGro” Advanced Nutrient System 2-1-6 on the 7th day of growth of microgreens. However,there are not many experiments conducted on the application of commercial liquid fertilisers on microgreens. Thus, the application of commercial liquid fertilizer containing all such essential nutrients for enhanced growth of microgreens shall be considered for microgreens. From the literatures, it is found that the microgreens are commonly grown in plastic trays or vessels and the trays are not covered with lids. This implies that the microgreens are grown exposed to the climatic conditions until the harvest period and once they are harvested, the microgreens require separate packaging material for marketing which would increase the cost of production. Containerised vertical farming technology can be suggested to grown microgreens in a closed container which provides suitable microclimate by considering the capacity of the container, head space for gaseous exchange, availability, cost, light penetrance and ease in handling and marketing.
There might be risks of microbial contamination due to the development of high humidity within the closed containers which can be overcome by sterilising the containers under ultraviolet light for 15 minutes. There might also be a problem of gaseous exchange in closed containers which can be overcome by making tiny holes in the lid. Man has evolved in his continuous journey of “struggle for survival” on the earth. Microbial diseases not only had adverse effects on human health and life due to the fatality rate, but also had dwindled the economies of nations world-wide. Pandemics caused by known as well as newly evolved pathogens,which are more frequent during recent times, have sent alarm signals to mankind,to prepare against more deadly pandemics in future and promote development of vaccine platforms for handling the worst outbreaks. The ongoing global catastrophe of massive scale, the COVID-19 is wreaking havoc, killing people en masse without any discrimination of region or race.
The world is on the war to vanquish the virus, where all ways and means to control the virus are being tested and implemented. A virus is not considered as a living organism,but is an assembly of biomolecules, an obligate parasite requiring a living host for its multiplication. Also, there is a growing concern globally of the increasing antibiotic resistance among many pathogenic bacteria. Some bacteria and fungi are as well obligate and life-threatening.Drugs which can cure, and vaccines for prevention and treatment of fatal microbial diseases, are the prime mode of tackling a disease. When an epidemic or pandemic outbreak occurs through spread of deadly pathogen at a fast pace, as with the COVID-19, a solution or cure or treatment of the disease is desired on an emergency basis, than understanding the problem per se of the disease and the pathogen, through detailed scientific investigation or research. The convention alsystem of treatment relies on curative drugs and vaccines, which forms the first line of defense or treatment against the contagion.
A vaccine may be attenuated form of the live virus or microbial pathogen, or a subunit of the virus,which can elicit immunity response with production of antibodies, that act against the viral antigens. The body’s response to pathogen attack through production of antibodies constitutes active immunity. In passive immunity, the antibodies which can react or bind with the pathogen-derived antigens are administered to induce immunity. Vaccination greatly reduces disease, disability, death and inequity worldwide. Diseases like smallpox have been eradicated and diseases such polio, tetanus, measles etc. are restricted by vaccination. The rapid spread of severe contagious infections such as HIV, SARS, Ebola, and Zikain recent years has emphasised on the significance of global preparedness for pandemics, which necessitates extremely rapid development and comprehensive distribution of vaccines against potentially deadly, novel pathogens.