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Koo A, Ghate V, Zhou W. Direct seeding compromised the vitamin C content of baby vegetables and the glucosinolate content of mature vegetables in Asian leafy brassicas. Food Chem 2024; 437:137783. [PMID: 37948796 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study hypothesised that direct seeding may compromise the nutritional quality of crops, as they may not release the nutrients that are triggered by the stress of transplantation. To that end, the effect of direct seeding on the nutrient content of bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), choy sum (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis var. parachinensis) and mao bai (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was investigated at the baby- and commercially-mature stages. Direct seeding had distinct effects on each stage. Directly seeded baby vegetables had 39 to 51 % less ascorbic acid and 21 to 30 % less vitamin K than transplanted baby vegetables (p < 0.05). For mature crops, direct seeding decreased the total glucosinolate content by 12 to 40 % (p < 0.05). Thus, while direct seeding may profit vegetable producers, its impact on nutrient quality merits careful consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Koo
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing Level 5, #05-03, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077, Singapore; Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Vinayak Ghate
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Weibiao Zhou
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing Level 5, #05-03, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077, Singapore; Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Linquan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu 215123, People's Republic of China.
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Opačić N, Radman S, Dujmović M, Fabek Uher S, Benko B, Toth N, Petek M, Čoga L, Voća S, Šic Žlabur J. Boosting nutritional quality of Urtica dioica L. to resist climate change. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1331327. [PMID: 38425794 PMCID: PMC10901978 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1331327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Introduction More than ever, traditional agricultural practices need a shift towards more resilient, sustainable, modern and adaptable practices that benefit the health of the planet and people. Today's consumers are constantly on the lookout for novel, highly nutritious foods that have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being. Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is gaining recognition not only as a popular medicinal plant, but also as a desirable green leafy vegetable rich in phytonutrients. As it is difficult and even expensive to control the quality standards of wild-collected plants, the implementation of sustainable cultivation methods, especially hydroponics, with effective greenhouse management could be a possible solution to obtain a standardized product with high nutritional value. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four nutrient solutions differing in the content of macro- and micronutrients (especially nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron) and two consecutive cuts on the number of leaves, yield, nitrate and mineral content and the content of specialized metabolites of stinging nettle from a floating hydroponic system. Methods Nettle plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system using the floating hydroponics technique. The two-factorial experiment was performed with nutrient solution and consecutive cuts as factors. Results The highest yield (2.49 kg/m2) was achieved after the 1st cut with plants cultivated in the nutrient solution with higher nutrient concentration. All tested nutrient solutions resulted in high levels of minerals and bioactive compounds in the plant material (ascorbic acid content of 102.30 mg/100 g fw and total phenolics content of 465.92 mg GAE/100 g fw), confirming floating hydroponics as a sustainable approach for cultivating nettle with enhanced nutritional value and antioxidant potential. Conclusion It is important to highlight that the nutrient solution with the lowest nutrient composition yielded the highest concentrations of calcium (5.54%) and iron (180.67 mg/kg dw). Furthermore, it exhibited elevated levels of specific phenolic compounds, including caffeoylmaleic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, naringin, and rutin trihydrate. Notably, this solution demonstrated the lowest nitrate content (4225.33 mg/kg fw) in the plant material. Therefore, it can be recommended as a preferable formulation for hydroponic nettle cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Opačić
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Radman
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mia Dujmović
- Department of Sustainable Technologies and Renewable Energy Sources, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božidar Benko
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Toth
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Petek
- Department of Plant Nutrition, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lepomir Čoga
- Department of Plant Nutrition, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sandra Voća
- Department of Sustainable Technologies and Renewable Energy Sources, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jana Šic Žlabur
- Department of Sustainable Technologies and Renewable Energy Sources, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
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Fabek Uher S, Radman S, Opačić N, Dujmović M, Benko B, Lagundžija D, Mijić V, Prša L, Babac S, Šic Žlabur J. Alfalfa, Cabbage, Beet and Fennel Microgreens in Floating Hydroponics-Perspective Nutritious Food? PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12112098. [PMID: 37299078 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microgreens are young plants of various vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, cereals and edible wild plants that were first associated with nouvelle cuisine as decoration in dishes due to their attractive appearance and strong flavor. Recently, they have become more sought after in the market due to their high nutritional value. This is due to the growing interest of consumers in a healthy lifestyle that includes a varied diet with emphasis on fresh, functional foods. Nowadays, commercial production of microgreens is shifting to modern hydroponic systems due to their numerous advantages, such as accelerated plant growth and biomass production, earlier harvesting, and more production cycles that positively affect yield and chemical composition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the content of specialized metabolites and antioxidant capacity of hydroponically grown alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cv. 'Kangaroo', yellow beet (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva) cv. 'Yellow Lady', red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. rubra) cv. 'Red Carpet', and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) cv. 'Aganarpo' microgreens. The highest content of total phenols (408.03 mg GAE/100 g fw), flavonoids (214.47 mg GAE/100 g fw), non-flavonoids (193.56 mg GAE/100 g fw) and ascorbic acid (74.94 mg/100 g fw) was found in fennel microgreens. The highest content of all analyzed chlorophyll pigments (Chl_a 0.536 mg/g fw, Chl_b 0.248 mg/g fw, and TCh 0.785 mg/g fw) was found in alfalfa microgreens. However, in addition to alfalfa, high levels of chlorophyll a (0.528 mg/g fw), total chlorophyll (0.713 mg/g fw) and the highest level of total carotenoids (0.196 mg/g fw) were also detected in fennel microgreens. The results suggest that microgreens grown on perlite in floating hydroponics have high nutritional potential as a functional food important for human health and therefore could be recommended for daily diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Fabek Uher
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Radman
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nevena Opačić
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mia Dujmović
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božidar Benko
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Denis Lagundžija
- Graduate Studies Horticulture, Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valent Mijić
- Graduate Studies Horticulture, Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Prša
- Graduate Studies Horticulture, Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Srđan Babac
- Graduate Studies Horticulture, Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jana Šic Žlabur
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Stanković M. 10th Anniversary of Plants-Recent Advances and Further Perspectives. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1696. [PMID: 37111918 PMCID: PMC10145593 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Published for the first time in 2012, Plants will celebrate its 10th anniversary [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Seeburger P, Herdenstam A, Kurtser P, Arunachalam A, Castro-Alves V, Hyötyläinen T, Andreasson H. Controlled mechanical stimuli reveal novel associations between basil metabolism and sensory quality. Food Chem 2023; 404:134545. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Opačić N, Radman S, Fabek Uher S, Benko B, Voća S, Šic Žlabur J. Nettle Cultivation Practices-From Open Field to Modern Hydroponics: A Case Study of Specialized Metabolites. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11040483. [PMID: 35214816 PMCID: PMC8878654 DOI: 10.3390/plants11040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Conventional agricultural production faces numerous challenges due to the pronounced effects of climate change, particularly global warming, and drought more than ever before in history, with the primary concern being to produce adequate yields and high-quality, nutritious plant material. Likewise, people are increasingly looking for new sources of food and are becoming aware of the importance of a varied diet and its connection to health. In this sense, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) stands out as a valuable species that is neglected as a food source, as it has a significant content of specialized metabolites, and thus has an extremely high potential for use both nutritionally and pharmacologically, but is still traditionally collected from natural habitats, so it can be of questionable quality and undefined chemical composition. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly shifting to modern hydroponic cultivation methods in greenhouses. The advantage lies in the easier management and control of a number of factors during cultivation (air temperature and relative humidity, balanced and rational fertilization, minimization of nitrate uptake, etc.), ensuring better conditions for the growth and development of nettle according to its needs. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the technology of stinging nettle cultivation in the field and to show the possibilities of cultivation with modern hydroponic techniques to obtain a final product of consistent and uniform quality, high content of specialized metabolites and significant nutritional value. Research on this topic is still sparse but will certainly increase in the future. Therefore, this review provides all the necessary data for such future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Opačić
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.O.); (S.F.U.); (B.B.)
| | - Sanja Radman
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.O.); (S.F.U.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.O.); (S.F.U.); (B.B.)
| | - Božidar Benko
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.O.); (S.F.U.); (B.B.)
| | - Sandra Voća
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.V.); (J.Š.Ž.)
| | - Jana Šic Žlabur
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.V.); (J.Š.Ž.)
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Zhan X, Chen Z, Chen R, Shen C. Environmental and Genetic Factors Involved in Plant Protection-Associated Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Pathways. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:877304. [PMID: 35463424 PMCID: PMC9024250 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.877304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) play essential roles in the adaptation to harsh environments and function in plant defense responses. PSMs act as key components of defense-related signaling pathways and trigger the extensive expression of defense-related genes. In addition, PSMs serve as antioxidants, participating in the scavenging of rapidly rising reactive oxygen species, and as chelators, participating in the chelation of toxins under stress conditions. PSMs include nitrogen-containing chemical compounds, terpenoids/isoprenoids, and phenolics. Each category of secondary metabolites has a specific biosynthetic pathway, including precursors, intermediates, and end products. The basic biosynthetic pathways of representative PSMs are summarized, providing potential target enzymes of stress-mediated regulation and responses. Multiple metabolic pathways share the same origin, and the common enzymes are frequently to be the targets of metabolic regulation. Most biosynthetic pathways are controlled by different environmental and genetic factors. Here, we summarized the effects of environmental factors, including abiotic and biotic stresses, on PSM biosynthesis in various plants. We also discuss the positive and negative transcription factors involved in various PSM biosynthetic pathways. The potential target genes of the stress-related transcription factors were also summarized. We further found that the downstream targets of these Transcription factors (TFs) are frequently enriched in the synthesis pathway of precursors, suggesting an effective role of precursors in enhancing of terminal products. The present review provides valuable insights regarding screening targets and regulators involved in PSM-mediated plant protection in non-model plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaori Zhan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhehao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Chen
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Rong Chen,
| | - Chenjia Shen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chenjia Shen,
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