1
|
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. Front Plant Sci 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dujmović M, Opačić N, Radman S, Fabek Uher S, Čoga L, Petek M, Voća S, Šic Žlabur J. How to Increase the Nutritional Quality of Stinging Nettle Through Controlled Plant Nutrition §. Food Technol Biotechnol 2023; 61:451-464. [PMID: 38205052 PMCID: PMC10775789 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.61.04.23.8119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Research background As food production faces major challenges, modern agricultural practices are increasingly focused on conserving resources, reducing negative environmental impacts and sustainably producing food with a high content of health-promoting phytochemicals. During production, many factors can affect the quality and chemical composition of a final food product. Proper selection of cultivating conditions, especially a balanced nutrition, can significantly increase nutritional value and result in foods with strong biological and functional properties. Stinging nettle is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, pigments, phenols and other bioactive compounds and can be consumed as a green leafy vegetable with beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of stinging nettle leaves under the influence of different nutrient solution (NS) treatments and three harvest cycles. Experimental approach The experiment was conducted in a floating hydroponic system in which treatments with different nutrient solutions were applied and three harvest cycles were carried out. After each harvest, the following treatments were applied: treatment 1 - depletion of nutrient solution by adding water, treatment 2 - supplementation of nutrient solution by adding initial nutrient solution and treatment 3 - correction of nutrient solution by adding nutrients. Among the bioactive compounds, minerals, ascorbic acid, phenols and photosynthetic pigments content, as well as antioxidant capacity were analysed spectrophotometrically, while individual phenols were determined by liquid chromatography. Results and conclusions Different nutrition solution treatments and the number of harvest cycles had a significant effect on the content of the analysed bioactive compounds. The highest mass fraction (on fresh mass basis) of total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents (377.04 mg/100 g), total flavonoids expressed as catechol equivalents (279.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (112.37 mg/100 g) and pigments (total chlorophylls 1.84, and total carotenoids 0.36 mg/g) as well as the highest antioxidant capacity expressed as Trolox equivalents (35.47 µmol/g) were recorded in the samples supplemented with nutrient solution (treatment NS2) and analysed after the third harvest. Novelty and scientific contribution This is the first time that stinging nettle leaves have been produced in a floating hydroponic system by controlled plant nutrition. We have set this type of nutritional manipulation with multiple harvest cycles as an innovative technique for the production of novel food with improved nutritional value that can be consumed as green leafy vegetables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Dujmović
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nevena Opačić
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Crops, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Radman
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Crops, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Crops, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lepomir Čoga
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Nutrition, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Petek
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Nutrition, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sandra Voća
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jana Šic Žlabur
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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) 2023; 12:plants12112098. [PMID: 37299078 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dujmović M, Radman S, Opačić N, Fabek Uher S, Mikuličin V, Voća S, Šic Žlabur J. Edible Flower Species as a Promising Source of Specialized Metabolites. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:2529. [PMID: 36235395 PMCID: PMC9570977 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Eating habits are changing over time and new innovative nutrient-rich foods will play a great role in the future. Awareness of the importance of a healthy diet is growing, so consumers are looking for new creative food products rich in phytochemicals, i.e., specialized metabolites (SM). The consumption of fruits, vegetables and aromatic species occupies an important place in the daily diet, but different edible flower species are still neglected and unexplored. Flowers are rich in SM, have strong antioxidant capacities and also possess significant functional and biological values with favorable impacts on human health. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the content of SM and the antioxidant capacities of the edible flower species: Calendula officinalis L. (common marigold), Tagetes erecta L. (African marigold), Tropaeolum majus L. (nasturtium), Cucurbita pepo L. convar. giromontiina (zucchini) and Centaurea cyanus L. (cornflower). The obtained results showed the highest content of ascorbic acid (129.70 mg/100 g fw) and anthocyanins (1012.09 mg/kg) recorded for cornflower, phenolic compounds (898.19 mg GAE/100 g fw) and carotenoids (0.58 mg/g) for African marigold and total chlorophylls (0.75 mg/g) for common marigold. In addition to the esthetic impression of the food, they represent an important source of SM and thus can have a significant impact if incorporated in the daily diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Dujmović
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, 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
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vida Mikuličin
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sandra Voća
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, 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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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) 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Šic Žlabur J, Radman S, Fabek Uher S, Opačić N, Benko B, Galić A, Samirić P, Voća S. Plant Response to Mechanically-Induced Stress: A Case Study on Specialized Metabolites of Leafy Vegetables. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10122650. [PMID: 34961120 PMCID: PMC8709336 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved various adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses, such as sensory mechanisms to detect mechanical stimuli. This plant adaptation has been successfully used in the production practice of leafy vegetables, called mechanical conditioning, for many years, but there is still a lack of research on the effects of mechanically-induced stress on the content of specialized metabolites, or phytochemicals with significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the content of specialized metabolites and antioxidant capacity of lettuce and green chicory under the influence of mechanical stimulation by brushing. Mechanically-induced stress had a positive effect on the content of major antioxidants in plant cells, specifically vitamin C, total phenols, and flavonoids. In contrast, no effect of mechanical stimulation was found on the content of pigments, total chlorophylls, and carotenoids. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that induced mechanical stress is a good practice in the cultivation of leafy vegetables, the application of which provides high quality plant material with high nutritional potential and significantly higher content of antioxidants and phytochemicals important for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Šic Žlabur
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.Š.Ž.); (A.G.); (P.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Sanja Radman
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.F.U.); (N.O.); (B.B.)
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.F.U.); (N.O.); (B.B.)
| | - Nevena Opačić
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.F.U.); (N.O.); (B.B.)
| | - Božidar Benko
- Department of Vegetable Crops, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.F.U.); (N.O.); (B.B.)
| | - Ante Galić
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.Š.Ž.); (A.G.); (P.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Paola Samirić
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.Š.Ž.); (A.G.); (P.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Sandra Voća
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage and Transport, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.Š.Ž.); (A.G.); (P.S.); (S.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jurić S, Sopko Stracenski K, Król-Kilińska Ż, Žutić I, Uher SF, Đermić E, Topolovec-Pintarić S, Vinceković M. The enhancement of plant secondary metabolites content in Lactuca sativa L. by encapsulated bioactive agents. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3737. [PMID: 32111947 PMCID: PMC7048752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Encapsulated bioactive agents applied to the Lactuca sativa L. present an innovative approach to stimulate the production of plant secondary metabolites increasing its nutritive value. Calcium and copper ions were encapsulated in biopolymeric microparticles (microspheres and microcapsules) either as single agents or in combination with biocontrol agents, Trichoderma viride spores, a fungal plant growth mediator. Both, calcium and copper ions are directly involved in the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites and alongside, Trichoderma viride can provide indirect stimulation and higher uptake of nutrients. All treatments with microparticles had a positive effect on the enhancement of plant secondary metabolites content in Lactuca sativa L. The highest increase of chlorophylls, antioxidant activity and phenolic was obtained by calcium-based microparticles in both, conventionally and hydroponically grown lettuces. Non-encapsulated fungus Trichoderma viride enhanced the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites only in hydroponics cultivation signifying the importance of its encapsulation. Encapsulation proved to be simple, sustainable and environmentally favorable for the production of lettuce with increased nutritional quality, which is lettuce fortified with important bioactive compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Slaven Jurić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Chemistry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Żaneta Król-Kilińska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Department of Functional Food Products Development, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ivanka Žutić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Crops, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Fabek Uher
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Vegetable Crops, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Edyta Đermić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Pathology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Marko Vinceković
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Chemistry, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|