Crop abiotic stresses and nutrition of harvested food crops: A Review of impacts, interventions and their effectiveness

Methods of application of salicylic acid as attenuator of salt stress in cherry tomato

Salt stress caused by excess salts present in irrigation water, is one of the biggest barriers in agricultural production, especially in semi-arid regions. Thus, the use of substances, such as salicylic acid, that minimize the deleterious effects of salinity on plants can be an alternative to ensure satisfactory production. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different methods of application of salicylic acid on the growth, production and water use efficiency of cherry tomato plants under salt stress. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, using an Entisol soil with a sandy loam texture. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement, corresponding to two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 and 2.6 dS m-1) and four methods of application of salicylic acid (Control - without application of SA; via spraying; via irrigation and via spraying and irrigation), with five replicates and one plant per plot. The salicylic acid concentration used in the different methods was 1.0 mM. Application of salicylic acid via foliar spraying increased the growth, production and water use efficiency of cherry tomato plants. The salt stress induced by the electrical conductivity of 2.6 dS m-1 was attenuated by the foliar application of salicylic acid. The use of water of 2.6 dS m-1 associated with the application of salicylic acid via irrigation water further intensified the adverse effects of salinity on cherry tomato plants.

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes composite bread: A good carrier of beta (β)-carotene and antioxidant properties

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is one of the unique varieties of sweet potatoes tuber that has attracted food professionals due to its great health benefits. This study investigates into β-carotene and antioxidant properties of OFSP composite bread. Random Surface Methodology was used for the experimental design. Analysis carried out on the bread includes antioxidant activity, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glycosidase inhibitory activity, protein & β-carotene retention/losses, glycemic index, and sensory evaluation. Total phenol ranged from 7.32 to 21.93 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid ranged between 6.12 and 13.20 mg QE/g and FRAP ranged from 12.31 to 40.36 mg AEE/g. The estimated glycemic index ranged from 51.42% to 72.80%. The value of β-carotene before and after processing ranged from 15.4 to 39.1 mg/100 g and 8.9 to 18.4 mg/100 g, respectively. OFSP composite bread has high antioxidant potential and may be used as functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) is a novel variety of sweet potatoes that have been sight-saw to owe numerous health benefits in terms of vitamins, minerals, β-carotene, antioxidants but it is low in protein. Incorporation of plant protein will help to increase its protein content and enhance its utilization in confectionery industries as a good carrier for antioxidants and other health benefits components.