scholarly journals Shading Affects Yield, Elemental Composition and Antioxidants of Perennial Wall Rocket Crops Grown from Spring to Summer in Southern Italy

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Gianluca Caruso ◽  
Luigi Formisano ◽  
Eugenio Cozzolino ◽  
Antonio Pannico ◽  
Christophe El-Nakhel ◽  
...  

Shading nets have been increasingly drawing research interest, as they allow us to improve the environmental conditions for greenhouse-grown crops. The effects of two shading nets (50% and 79% shading degree), plus an unshaded control, on yield, mineral composition and antioxidants of perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.-D.C.) grown under tunnels in southern Italy were determined. The shading application resulted in a yield decrease, compared to the unshaded control, except for the highest production under 50% shading in July. The highest yield was recorded in the April–May and May–June and the lowest in July. Similar trends were recorded for plant dry weight, leaf number per rosette and mean weight, but the latter showed the highest value under 79% light extinction in July. The rocket leaves were brighter in the summer cycles than in the spring ones. Leaf nitrate was highest in spring and under 79% shading. Potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium showed the highest values in spring and in the unshaded control. The lipophilic antioxidant activity showed the highest values under the 79% shading net in the spring cropping seasons, whereas in July it did not significantly differ from 50% light extinction. The hydrophilic antioxidant activity always attained the highest values in the unshaded control. The unshaded leaves had the highest total phenol accumulation when grown in April–May and the lowest in July. The total ascorbic acid content was always highest in the unshaded control leaves compared to the shading treatments. Fifty percent crop shading is, therefore, an effective sustainable tool for increasing the yield of perennial wall rocket leaves in July, when the light intensity under the plastic tunnel exceeds the plant requirements, also resulting in a mineral composition that is not significantly different from that of the unshaded crops.

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca Caruso ◽  
Christophe El-Nakhel ◽  
Youssef Rouphael ◽  
Ernesto Comite ◽  
Nadia Lombardi ◽  
...  

Increasing attention is being given to plant biostimulants as a sustainable farming practice aimed to enhance vegetable crop performance. This research was conducted on greenhouse-grown perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.), comparing three biostimulant treatments (legume-derived protein hydrolysates, Trichoderma harzianum T22, and protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma harzianum T22) plus an untreated control, in a factorial combination with three cropping seasons (autumn–winter, winter, winter–spring). Measurements were performed on leaf yield components, colorimetric indicators, mineral composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. Leaf marketable yield and mean weight, as well as plant dry weight, showed the highest values in winter crop cycle. Biostimulant treatments resulted in 18.4% and 26.4% increase in leaf yield and number of leaves per rosette, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Protein hydrolysates led to the highest plant dry weight (+34.7% compared to the control). Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index as well as NO3, PO4, SO4, and Ca contents were influenced more during the winter–spring season than the winter cropping season. The winter production season resulted in a 19.8% increase in the leaf lipophilic antioxidant activity, whereas the hydrophilic antioxidant activity was 34.9% higher during the winter–spring season. SPAD index was the highest with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma applications, which also increased the colorimetric parameters compared to the untreated control. The treatment with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma enhanced N, PO4, Mg, and Na contents, compared to both biostimulants applied singly and to the untreated control. Both biostimulants applied alone or the protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma combination led to the increase of the lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activity, as well as ascorbic acid and chlorophyll b, compared to the untreated control. The present research revealed that protein hydrolysates and Trichoderma single applications, and even more their combination in the case of some nutrients content, represent an effective tool for enhancing the yield and the quality attributes of perennial wall rocket produced under the perspective of sustainable crop system.


Italus Hortus ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Alessio Tallarita

With the perspective of reintroducing peanut cultivation in southern Italy about six decades after its dismissal, research was carried out with the aim to identify the best performing farming management in terms of yield and quality. In this respect, the effect of the factorial combination between four plant densities (6.1, 7.8, 10.3, and 12.1 plants m-2) and two harvest times (100 and 110 days after planting) was assessed on pod and seed yield, as well as on seed quality, antioxidant activity, and elemental composition. The later harvest time determined a 26.9% dry weight increase, but a 14.3% decrease in the number of seeds per pod. Plant density significantly influenced all the yield and growth indices except for mean seed weight. Yield and growth of each plant were best affected by the lowest plant density, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for the same parameters referred to the surface area unit. The density of 12.1 plants m-2 resulted in a 32% reduction in pods per plant compared to 6.1 plants m-2, but had the greatest effect on seed production per m-2. The leaf area index was the highest with the density of 12.1 plants m-2. The total dry weight increased by 1.7-fold from 6.1 to 12.1 plants m-2. Compared to the first harvest time, in the second one the protein content decreased by 6.8%, and total polyphenols and antioxidant activity decreased by 11.2% and 7.6%, respectively. The second harvest time led to a depletion of N, P, and Mg, by 6.8%, 6.2%, and 6.8%, respectively, and a 7.1% Ca increase. The reintroduction of peanut cultivation in southern Italy is a realistic goal, though further studies regarding the crop system management are needed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chem Int

Verbena officinalis Linn is a traditionally known medicinal plant which is used against a number of diseases including inflammatory conditions. In this study its antioxidant activity (reducing powers, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities), ferric reduction activity potential (FRAP), total flavonoid concentration and antimicrobial activities of 80%, 90%, 100% methanol and chloroform extracts of V. officinalis Linn root and 90% and100% methanol leaf extracts were determined. Its antioxidant activity increases with increase in amount of extract (10% to 40%v/v). Total flavonoid content (TFC) varied from 73.32±0.002 mgQE/100g of dry weight (90% methanol) to 42.39±0.032 mgQE/100g dry weight (chloroform), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), radical scavenging activity (%) was varied between 87.39% (90% methanol) to 45.57% (chloroform) while Ferric reducing antioxidant power was observed between 372.93±0.04 mgAAE/100 g extract (90% methanol) to 129.41±0.026 mgAAE/100 g chloroform in the root extract. The methanolic extract of the leaf showed less antioxidant activity than the methanolic extract of the root. Crude extracts of V. officinalis root showed various degree of antimicrobial activity towards drug resistance microbial pathogens. Growth inhibition tests against bacterial pathogens demonstrated concentration dependence. Moreover, gram positive bacteria were more susceptible to V. officinalis root extract when compared to gram negative bacteria. In general V. officinalis root and leave extracts possess strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.


2019 ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Hai Trieu Ly ◽  
Tuan Anh Vo ◽  
Viet Hong Phong Nguyen ◽  
Thi My Sa Pham ◽  
Bich Thao Lam ◽  
...  

Background: The natural antioxidants have an important role in the prevention of many diseases. The aim of study is to investigate phytochemical components, antioxidant activity and acute oral toxicity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel (PFP) extract. Materials and methods: Phytochemicals of PFP were determined by qualitative chemical tests, thin layer chromatography, total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The PFP extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and MDA assay. In vivo acute oral toxicity test was conducted using Karber-Behrens method to determine LD50. Results: Results illustrated that PFP mainly contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, and coumarins. PFP extract exhibited the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents with 189.97 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 9.42 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities of PFP extract were expressed with IC50 value of 4.80 μg/mL and 0.38 μg/ mL, sequentially. Simultaneously, the Dmax (the maximum dose administered to mice that no toxicity was observed) of PFP extract was determined to be 21.28 g/kg, equivalent to 35.64 g dried herb. Conclusion: The PFP extract is relatively safe and revealed high antioxidant activity. Key words: Punica granatum L.; polyphenols; flavonoids; gallic acid; quercetin; antioxidant activity; acute oral toxicity


Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Avela Sogoni ◽  
Muhali Jimoh ◽  
Learnmore Kambizi ◽  
Charles Laubscher

Climate change, expanding soil salinization, and the developing shortages of freshwater have negatively affected crop production around the world. Seawater and salinized lands represent potentially cultivable areas for edible salt-tolerant plants. In the present study, the effect of salinity stress on plant growth, mineral composition (macro-and micro-nutrients), and antioxidant activity in dune spinach (Tetragonia decumbens) were evaluated. The treatments consisted of three salt concentrations, 50, 100, and 200 mM, produced by adding NaCl to the nutrient solution. The control treatment had no NaCl but was sustained and irrigated by the nutrient solution. Results revealed a significant increase in total yield, branch production, and ferric reducing antioxidant power in plants irrigated with nutrient solution incorporated with 50 mM NaCl. Conversely, an increased level of salinity (200 mM) caused a decrease in chlorophyll content (SPAD), while the phenolic content, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium, increased. The results of this study indicate that there is potential for brackish water cultivation of dune spinach for consumption, especially in provinces experiencing the adverse effect of drought and salinity, where seawater or underground saline water could be diluted and used as irrigation water in the production of this vegetable.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maíra Lima Gonçalez ◽  
Diana Gleide Marcussi ◽  
Giovana Maria Fioramonti Calixto ◽  
Marcos Antonio Corrêa ◽  
Marlus Chorilli

Multiple emulsions (MEs) are intensively being studied for drug delivery due to their ability to load and increase the bioavailability of active lipophilic antioxidant, such as kojic dipalmitate (KDP). The aim of this study was to structurally characterize developed MEs by determining the average droplet size (Dnm) and zeta potential (ZP), performing macroscopic and microscopic analysis and analyzing their rheological behavior andin vitrobioadhesion. Furthermore, thein vitrosafety profile and antioxidant activity of KDP-loaded MEs were evaluated. The developed MEs showed a Dnm of approximately 1 micrometer and a ZP of −13 mV, and no change was observed in Dnm or ZP of the system with the addition of KDP. KDP-unloaded MEs exhibited ‘‘shear thinning’’ flow behavior whereas KDP-loaded MEs exhibited Newtonian behavior, which are both characteristic of antithixotropic materials. MEs have bioadhesion properties that were not influenced by the incorporation of KDP. The results showed that the incorporation of KDP into MEs improved the safety profile of the drug. Thein vitroantioxidant activity assay suggested that MEs presented a higher capacity for maintaining the antioxidant activity of KDP. ME-based systems may be a promising platform for the topical application of KDP in the treatment of skin disorders.


Author(s):  
Iga Rybicka ◽  
Justyna Kiewlicz ◽  
Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski ◽  
Anna Gliszczyńska-Świgło

AbstractDried fruits are an excellent alternative to unhealthy snacks. Twelve commercially available dried fruits were selected: dates, raisins, prunes, Goji berry, chokeberry, rose hip, sea buckthorn, berberis, physalis, haritaki, noni and juniper. The nutritional value in terms of moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, energy value, mineral composition, antioxidant activity and tannins was compared. It is a novelty in the literature in relation to the particular analytes (e.g., minerals, tannins) and/or fruits (e.g., berberis, noni, haritaki). Especially rich in protein were Goji berry (13.3%), sea buckthorn (9.3%), noni (8.9%) and physalis (8.0%); in fat − sea buckthorn (11.2%); in dietary fiber (4.4–53.0%) − most of analyzed products. High antioxidant capacity was noticed for haritaki, berberis, rose hip, Goji berry, and physalis. An important source of minerals was 100 g of: noni (345 mg of Ca; 251 mg of Mg), rose hip (844 mg of Ca; 207 mg of Mg), juniper (564 mg of Ca), sea buckthorn (58 mg of Fe), berberis (24 mg of Fe) and haritaki (14 mg of Fe). The nutritionally attractive dried fruits have the potential for wider application in food formulations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 554-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivera STAJKOVIC-SRBINOVIC ◽  
Dušica DELIC ◽  
Nataša RASULIC ◽  
Dragan CAKMAK ◽  
Djordje KUZMANOVIC ◽  
...  

In the present study the effects of Rhizobium inoculation and lime application on the mineral composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B) of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), in very acid soil were evaluated. Inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii significantly increased shoot dry weight (SDW) of red clover plants (three times greater), as well as N, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu contents in plants compared to the control. Application of lime and Rhizobium together, depending on the lime rate (3, 6 or 9 t ha-1 of lime) and the cut, increased SDW significantly, but decreased the contents of N, P, K, Mg, Mn, Zn and B in plants. Regardless of the changes, in all treatments in both cuts, contents of N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn in plants were among sufficiency levels (Mg content was elevated in the second cut), while Fe content was mainly high, as well as Cu (in the second cut). Contents of P and B in plants were somewhat lower than sufficiency levels, but above critical level. Therefore, red clover can be grown with satisfactory yield and mineral composition in acid soil with Rhizobium inoculation only, but the application of P and B fertilization is desirable.


1981 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
I. P. Oliveira ◽  
E. Malavolta

Nine cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were grown in nutrient solution to study the effect of boron on growth and mineral composition. Data obtained in thie study allowed for the following conclusions: (1) high levels of boron affected plant height, root length, dry weight of tops, dry weight of root, and total dry weight; (2) regression analysis was used to point out differential behaviour among cultivars in relation to boron concentration in nutrient solution; (3) the best mineral concentration in the plant tissue was obtained with application of 0,5 ppm of boron in the nutrient solution.


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