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Paradiso R, Di Mola I, Ottaiano L, Cozzolino E, Pelosi ME, Rippa M, Mormile P, Mori M. Integrating Smart Greenhouse Cover, Reduced Nitrogen Dose and Biostimulant Application as a Strategy for Sustainable Cultivation of Cherry Tomato. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:440. [PMID: 38337973 PMCID: PMC10857004 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Fruit yield and quality of greenhouse tomatoes are strongly influenced by light conditions and nitrogen (N) availability, however, the interaction between these factors is still unclear. We evaluated the effects on cherry tomatoes of two tunnel plastic covers with different optical properties and three N doses, also in combination with a biostimulant treatment. We compared a diffuse light film (Film1) and a conventional clear film (Film2), and three N levels, corresponding to 50% (N50), 75% (N75) and 100% (N100) of the optimal dose, with and without a microbial plus a protein hydrolysed biostimulant, compared to a non-treated control. The three experimental treatments significantly interacted on several yield and quality parameters. In control plants (untreated with biostimulants), the early yield was higher at reduced N doses compared to N100, with greater increments under the diffusive Film1 compared to the clear Film2 (+57.7% and +37.0% vs. +31.7% and +16.0%, in N50 and N75 respectively). Film1 boosted the total fruit production at all the N rates and with or without biostimulants, compared to Film2, with stronger effects under sub-optimal N (+29.4% in N50, +21.2% in N75, and +7.8% in N100, in plants untreated with biostimulant). Total yield decreased with decreasing N levels, while it always increased with the application of biostimulants, which counterbalanced the detrimental effects of N shortage. Quality traits were mainly affected by the cover film and the biostimulant treatment. The diffusive film increased the content of carotenoids, lycopene and total phenols compared to the clear one, and the biostimulants increased texture, soluble solids, phenols and ascorbic acid compared to the untreated control. It is worth noting that in plants fertilized at 75% of the reference N dose, the biostimulants determined higher yield than the N100 untreated control, under both the covers (+48% in Film1 and +20% in Film2). In conclusion, the diffusive film improved the fruit yield and quality of greenhouse tomatoes in the spring-summer period, presumably avoiding plant stress due to high-intensity direct light. Reduced N rates limited the plant productivity, however, the biostimulant application was effective in compensating for the detrimental effects of sub-optimal supply of N synthetic fertilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Paradiso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.P.); (I.D.M.); (M.E.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Ida Di Mola
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.P.); (I.D.M.); (M.E.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Lucia Ottaiano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.P.); (I.D.M.); (M.E.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Eugenio Cozzolino
- Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Maria Eleonora Pelosi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.P.); (I.D.M.); (M.E.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Rippa
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent System, National Research Council (CNR), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Pasquale Mormile
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent System, National Research Council (CNR), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Mauro Mori
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.P.); (I.D.M.); (M.E.P.); (M.M.)
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Harbart V, Frede K, Fitzner M, Baldermann S. Regulation of carotenoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways in Lactuca sativa var capitate L. in protected cultivation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1124750. [PMID: 36866364 PMCID: PMC9971571 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1124750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the face of a growing world population and limited land, there is an urgent demand for higher productivity of food crops, and cultivation systems must be adapted to future needs. Sustainable crop production should aim for not only high yields, but also high nutritional values. In particular, the consumption of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids is associated with a reduced incidence of non-transmissible diseases. Modulating environmental conditions by improving cultivation systems can lead to the adaption of plant metabolisms and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the regulation of carotenoid and flavonoid metabolisms in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var capitate L.) grown in a protected environment (polytunnels) compared to plants grown without polytunnels. Carotenoid, flavonoid and phytohormone (ABA) contents were determined using HPLC-MS and transcript levels of key metabolic genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR. In this study, we observed inverse contents of flavonoids and carotenoids in lettuce grown without or under polytunnels. Flavonoid contents on a total and individual level were significantly lower, while total carotenoid content was higher in lettuce plants grown under polytunnels compared to without. However, the adaptation was specific to the level of individual carotenoids. For instance, the accumulation of the main carotenoids lutein and neoxanthin was induced while the β-carotene content remained unchanged. In addition, our findings suggest that the flavonoid content of lettuce depends on transcript levels of the key biosynthetic enzyme, which is modulated by UV light. A regulatory influence can be assumed based on the relation between the concentration of the phytohormone ABA and the flavonoid content in lettuce. In contrast, the carotenoid content is not reflected in transcript levels of the key enzyme of either the biosynthetic or the degradation pathway. Nevertheless, the carotenoid metabolic flux determined using norflurazon was higher in lettuce grown under polytunnels, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of carotenoid accumulation, which should be an integral part of future studies. Therefore, a balance needs to be found between the individual environmental factors, including light and temperature, in order to optimize the carotenoid or flavonoid contents and to obtain nutritionally highly valuable crops in protected cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Harbart
- Department Plant Quality and Food Security, Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren, Germany
- Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katja Frede
- Department Plant Quality and Food Security, Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Maria Fitzner
- Department Plant Quality and Food Security, Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren, Germany
- Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Susanne Baldermann
- Department Plant Quality and Food Security, Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, Food Metabolome, University of Bayreuth, Kulmbach, Germany
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He X, Chavan SG, Hamoui Z, Maier C, Ghannoum O, Chen ZH, Tissue DT, Cazzonelli CI. Smart Glass Film Reduced Ascorbic Acid in Red and Orange Capsicum Fruit Cultivars without Impacting Shelf Life. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11070985. [PMID: 35406965 PMCID: PMC9003265 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Smart Glass Film (SGF) is a glasshouse covering material designed to permit 80% transmission of photosynthetically active light and block heat-generating solar energy. SGF can reduce crop water and nutrient consumption and improve glasshouse energy use efficiency yet can reduce crop yield. The effect of SGF on the postharvest shelf life of fruits remains unknown. Two capsicum varieties, Red (Gina) and Orange (O06614), were cultivated within a glasshouse covered in SGF to assess fruit quality and shelf life during the winter season. SGF reduced cuticle thickness in the Red cultivar (5%) and decreased ascorbic acid in both cultivars (9–14%) without altering the overall morphology of the mature fruits. The ratio of total soluble solids (TSSs) to titratable acidity (TA) was significantly higher in Red (29%) and Orange (89%) cultivars grown under SGF. The Red fruits had a thicker cuticle that reduced water loss and extended shelf life when compared to the Orange fruits, yet neither water loss nor firmness were impacted by SGF. Reducing the storage temperature to 2 °C and increasing relative humidity to 90% extended the shelf life in both cultivars without evidence of chilling injury. In summary, SGF had minimal impact on fruit development and postharvest traits and did not compromise the shelf life of mature fruits. SGF provides a promising technology to block heat-generating solar radiation energy without affecting fruit ripening and marketable quality of capsicum fruits grown during the winter season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Sachin G. Chavan
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Ziad Hamoui
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - Chelsea Maier
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Zhong-Hua Chen
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - David T. Tissue
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
- Global Centre for Land Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Christopher I. Cazzonelli
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (X.H.); (S.G.C.); (C.M.); (O.G.); (Z.-H.C.); (D.T.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-24-570-1752
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Alrifai O, Hao X, Liu R, Lu Z, Marcone MF, Tsao R. LED-Induced Carotenoid Synthesis and Related Gene Expression in Brassica Microgreens. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:4674-4685. [PMID: 33861063 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, various ratios of combined red, blue, and amber light-emitting diodes (rbaLEDs) were investigated for their effect on the expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes and carotenoid accumulation in eight Brassica microgreens. Total and individual (β-carotene, lutein, α-carotene, neoxanthin, and violaxanthin) carotenoids were increased 20-44 and 10-55%, respectively, under dose-dependent increasing amber-blue light and decreasing red in most microgreens. Lipophilic 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power antioxidant activities were significantly increased under higher amber and blue light fractions, while oxygen radical absorbance capacity was generally decreased. Under rbaLED in mizuna (B. rapa) microgreens, the lycopene epsilon cyclase (LYCε) expression was 10-15-fold higher, which resulted in downstream accumulation of α-carotene and lutein. Lycopene beta cyclase (LYCβ) was not significantly changed, suggesting that β-carotene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin were mainly controlled by upstream phytoene synthase and branch-point LYCε. Increased beta-ring carotenoid hydroxylase (CHXβ) expression was also consistent with lutein accumulation. This study demonstrated for the first time that amber LED was involved in the regulatory mechanism of carotenoid biosynthesis, thus a potential novel approach to production of antioxidant-rich microgreens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oday Alrifai
- Guelph Research & Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada
- Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Xiuming Hao
- Harrow Research & Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2585 County Road 20, Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0, Canada
| | - Ronghua Liu
- Guelph Research & Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada
| | - Zhanhui Lu
- Guelph Research & Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada
| | - Massimo F Marcone
- Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rong Tsao
- Guelph Research & Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada
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Alrifai O, Hao X, Marcone MF, Tsao R. Current Review of the Modulatory Effects of LED Lights on Photosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites and Future Perspectives of Microgreen Vegetables. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:6075-6090. [PMID: 31021630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Light-emitting diode (LED) lights have recently been applied in controlled environment agriculture toward growing vegetables of various assortments, including microgreens. Spectral qualities of LED light on photosynthesis in microgreens are currently being studied for their ease of spectral optimization and high photosynthetic efficiency. This review aims to summarize the most recent discoveries and advances in specific phytochemical biosyntheses modulated by LED and other conventional lighting, to identify research gaps, and to provide future perspectives in this emerging multidisciplinary field of research and development. Specific emphasis was made on the effect of light spectral qualities on the biosynthesis of phenolics, carotenoids, and glucosinolates, as these phytochemicals are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and many health benefits. Future perspectives on enhancing biosynthesis of these bioactives using the rapidly progressing LED light technology are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oday Alrifai
- Guelph Research & Development Center , Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , 93 Stone Road West , Guelph , Ontario N1G 5C9 , Canada
- Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario N1G 2W1 , Canada
| | - Xiuming Hao
- Harrow Research & Development Center , Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , 2585 County Road 20 , Harrow , Ontario N0R 1G0 , Canada
| | - Massimo F Marcone
- Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario N1G 2W1 , Canada
| | - Rong Tsao
- Guelph Research & Development Center , Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , 93 Stone Road West , Guelph , Ontario N1G 5C9 , Canada
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Petropoulos SA, Fernandes Â, Katsoulas N, Barros L, Ferreira IC. The effect of covering material on the yield, quality and chemical composition of greenhouse-grown tomato fruit. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2019; 99:3057-3068. [PMID: 30511352 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last few decades, greenhouse technology for horticultural crops has focused on retaining optimum conditions within the greenhouse environment that could allow for a compromise between maximum yields and minimum production costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three greenhouse covering materials and five harvesting dates on the yield and quality parameters of hydroponically produced tomato fruit, as well as on energy consumption. RESULTS Plants had a higher growth rate at early stages for S-PE cover material, while differences were minimized at later stages. Tocopherol content was the highest for ID-PE material and harvesting later than 170 days after transplanting (DAT), while sugar content (fructose and glucose) was the highest for S-PE material and 157 DAT. Organic acid content was the highest at early harvestings, especially for 7-PE and S-PE cover materials, while it exhibited decreasing trends at later harvesting dates. Antioxidant properties showed a varied response to cover materials and harvesting dates, while β-carotene, carotenoids and chlorophylls were the highest for 7-PE material. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that both cover materials and harvesting date may affect significantly tomato fruit quality, especially sugar and organic acid contents which are associated with fruit taste, as well as tocopherols which contribute to antioxidant properties and pigments that are associated with fruit ripening and earliness of marketable maturity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon A Petropoulos
- Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Laboratory of Vegetable Production, University of Thessaly, Ionia, Greece
| | - Ângela Fernandes
- Biologia e Biotecnologia, Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Katsoulas
- Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Laboratory of Agricultural Constructions and Environmental Control, University of Thessaly, Ionia, Greece
| | - Lillian Barros
- Biologia e Biotecnologia, Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Isabel Cfr Ferreira
- Biologia e Biotecnologia, Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
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