Hyoseris radiata L. as a novel salad crop: yield and chemical characterization of hydroponically grown microgreens and baby leaves

Hyoseris radiata L., a Mediterranean wild edible species (WEP), was evaluated for the first time under hydroponic cultivation as microgreens and baby leaves. Plants were grown from wild-collected seeds using full- or half- strength Hoagland nutrient solutions (H and H/2). Growth and yield were assessed at each developmental stage, while chemical composition was analyzed across all stage × nutrient combinations. Wild plants were also analyzed as a reference for comparison. No significant differences in growth or yield were observed between H and H/2 treatments, suggesting the feasibility of reducing nutrient inputs for the hydroponic cultivation of this species without compromising productivity. Chemical composition was generally consistent with that reported for other leafy WEPs and vegetables. PCA clearly separated microgreens, baby leaves, and wild plants. Wild samples showed higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, soluble sugars, and iron, and substantially lower nitrate levels than cultivated plants. Baby leaves were characterized by higher chlorophyll content, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iron than microgreens. The overlap between H and H/2 treatments indicated that developmental stage had a stronger influence on chemical composition than nutrient solution strength. Based on EDI%, culti vated H. radiata, especially baby leaves, proved to be a valuable source of vitamin A, vitamin B9, iron, and molybdenum. No concerns related to heavy metal accumulation were detected. Nitrate concentrations were higher in cultivated plants but were significantly reduced in baby leaves grown under H/2. Overall, H. radiata showed good productivity under reduced nutrient supply and promising nutritional quality, supporting its po tential as a novel hydroponically grown leafy vegetable.