
Taming Bitterness: How Hydroponics Could Create Milder Veggies
From Hydroponics Daily by Eutrema Ltd
January 1, 2026 · 7 min · Episode 374
About this episode
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses how hydroponics and genetic tools can reduce bitterness in vegetables.
Dr. Russell Sharp explores how breeders, genetic tools (including CRISPR) and environmental controls in hydroponics can reduce strong or bitter flavours in vegetables. He highlights examples—low‑sulphur Brussels sprouts and onions, milder marrows/zucchini, soap‑free coriander, low‑oxalate spinach, less‑phenolic eggplant and sweeter lettuce—and points to hydroponic fertilizer strategies and business opportunities for growers and breeders. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/liquid-gypsum/ Christoph Matthes — Kultursaat e.V.Nigel Kingston — Syngenta SeedsKevin Dudley — Cloughjordan Community FarmPat Malone — Cloughjordan Community FarmAlfred Breed (Senior) — Mertoun GardensDavid Cain — International Fruit Genetics (IFG)Rob Johnston Jr. — Johnny’s Selected SeedsV. Ognev — Agrofirm PoiskN. Geraskina — Agrofirm PoiskFrits Herlaar — Rijk Zwaan Hoza Zaden — Hoza ZadenAllium Seeds UK — Allium Seeds UKBejo Zaden — BejoDe Groot en Slot — De Groot en SlotNunhems — BASF Vegetable SeedsSeminis — Bayer Crop ScienceSyngenta Vegetable Seeds — SyngentaRijk Zwaan — Rijk ZwaanEnza Zaden — Enza ZadenSakata Seed Corporation — SakataTakii & Co. — TakiiTokita Seed — Tokita SeedHazera —…
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Russell Sharp
Topics covered
- hydroponics
- vegetable breeding
- flavor modification
- CRISPR
- environmental controls
- business opportunities
Keywords
- hydroponics
- bitterness
- vegetables
- CRISPR
- breeding
- flavor
- fertilizer strategies
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Kultursaat e.V., Syngenta Seeds, Cloughjordan Community Farm, International Fruit Genetics (IFG), Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Agrofirm Poisk, Rijk Zwaan, BASF Vegetable Seeds, Bayer Crop Science, Enza Zaden
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