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The sage is a perennial medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Macro-micro elements have an important place in the development of this plant. One of these elements is selenium. This study aims to examine the effect of foliar selenium (Se) application on the agronomic, biochemical, and bioactive properties of sage. The plant height (PH), fresh herb yield (FHY), dry herb yield (DHY), and dry leaf yield (DLY) as agronomic properties, and Se content in the plant (SCP), ascorbic acid content (AAC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and mineral composition (MC) as biochemical and bioactive properties were investigated in this context. The experiment was carried out in four replications over three years in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In the study, 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 g ha−1 Se were applied to sage leaves. At the end of the study, it was determined that Se application was effective on the agronomic characteristics of the sage, except for the first year. The application of 100 g ha−1 Se in FHY, DHY, DLY, AA, and TPC properties emerged as the recommended dose since it reached the highest values. In addition, it was evaluated that the Se application did not have a statistically significant effect on the SCP. For years with statistical significance, 400 g ha−1 Se application was recommended in terms of AAC and 100 g ha−1 Se application in terms of AA and TPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-stimulants are gaining importance for elevating the stagnated yield level resulting from continuous use of chemical fertilizers (CF) in many crops, however, their use in pomegranate have not been fully explored. Two years of field experiments were conducted on a 5-years old pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard to investigate the effects of different combinations of commercial bio-stimulant products namely, microbial-based product A containing consortium of Rhizophagus spp. (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract-based granular formulation D (30 kg ha−1) and liquid formulation B (625 and 1250 ml ha−1) through soil application as well as wettable granular formulation, C (1 and 2 g l−1) and liquid formulation, E (1 ml l−1) through foliar sprays along with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, trees' nutrition, fruit yield and quality of pomegranate. Results showed that integrated use of CF and bio-stimulants significantly increased the number of bisexual flowers. However, the combination of microbial-based product A (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract based liquid formulation B (625 ml ha−1) in soil and foliar spary of seaweed extract based wettable granular formulation C (1–2 g l−1) with CF resulted in production of the highest fruit yield (increased by 41.97–51.61%) with 23.08–33.38% increase in the exportable grade fruit and improved quality attributes viz. ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, non-reducing sugar, protein, and mineral content of fruits through enhancement in soil fertility and trees' micronutrient status compared to only CF. These doses combinations of bio-stimulants along with CF gave rise to the highest benefit–cost ratio of 2.10–2.34:1 and hence can be recommended for sustainable pomegranate cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. Chinensis) is a leafy vegetable which has been widely cultivated and consumed worldwide due to its low calorific value, a large supply of macro and micronutrients, beneficial phytochemicals and fibers. Amino acids have a vital role in plant nutrition; however, the effect of glycine and nitrate (Gly/NO3-N) on health-promoting phytochemicals, biomass, and antioxidant activities has gained a little attention. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycine and nitrate on health-promoting phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. Glycine and nitrate were employed in different proportions (control, Gly/NO3-N = 3:1, Gly/NO3-N = 1:1, and Gly/NO3-N = 1:3 in the Venlo greenhouse, Shanghai Jiao Tong university, China. Results showed that compared to control, the treatment with Gly/NO3-N notably increased the secondary metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids, glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant potential (FRAP and DPPH value), and biomass in pakchoi plants. The contents of all antioxidants were high under the treatment of Gly/NO3-N（1:1). Interestingly, the contents of flavonoids were significantly enhanced (107.10%) by Gly/NO3-N = 1:1 than control plants. Furthermore, the content of Phe increased by 33.79%-86.32%, and also the activity of catabolic enzymes (CHI, CHS, C4H, and PAL) of the polyphenols pathway was found to be significantly enhanced while the activity of 4CL and DFR was restrained by the treatment of Gly/NO3-N, compared with control plants. In addition, the correlation analysis of polyphenols and flavonoids with Phe, PAL, C4H, CHS, and CHI showed a positive correlation, while a negative correlation was found in the case of 4CL and DFR. Taken together, the current findings suggest that the application of Gly/NO3-N enhanced polyphenols metabolism as well as increased the total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Consequently, this combination of glycine and nitrate could be used to promote beneficial phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of micronutrients namely zinc (Zn) and boron (B) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and quality parameters viz. ascorbic acid and carotene content of tomato was evaluated. A field experiment was conducted with graded doses of Zn (soil and soil + foliar application) and B (soil application) application with or without FYM for the two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Results revealed that application of Zn and B significantly enhanced fruit yield and different growth parameters as well as plant tissue concentration of Zn and B in tomato. The highest increase in fruit yield over control (27.6%) was observed with the conjoint application of Zn (soil + foliar), B (2.0 kg ha−1) and FYM. Soil application of Zn at higher doses (10 kg ha−1) as well as its application through both soil + foliar method has an edge over control or its application at comparatively lower doses in increasing the fruit yield of tomato. Results further revealed that combined application of Zn and B can significantly increase the important quality parameters viz. carotene and ascorbic acid content in tomato. Such increase in carotene content to the tune of 25 and 35% and ascorbic acid content to the tune of 7 and 30% over control were observed with soil + foliar application of Zn and 2 kg ha−1 B, respectively. Therefore, optimization of Zn and B doses can improve the yield and quality of tomato as well as helps in correcting the micronutrients malnutrition vis-à-vis nutritional disorders in humans by enriching the antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese kale microgreens are gaining interest for its phytochemical compounds and anti-cancer properties mainly from glucosinolates. Zinc is an essential for plant growth and is involved with phytochemicals accumulation. This study investigated the different concentration of ZnSO4 on the enhancement of the phytochemicals and quality of Chinese kale microgreens. Three-day-old seedlings were sprayed with 2 and 4 mM of ZnSO4 until harvesting on days 4, 5, 6 and 7. ZnSO4 significantly decreased the fresh weight of 6 and 7-day-old microgreens and dry weight on the 7th day. The total glucosinolates, total phenolic compounds and total ascorbic acid, gradually rose as the age of microgreens increased. When the 3-day-old microgreens were sprayed at 6, 12 and 18 mM, the fresh and dry weight and hypocotyl length of 7-day-old microgreens significantly decreased as the concentration increases. ZnSO4 at 18 mM was the most effective in enhancing phytochemicals, resulting in increased DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. This concentration also induced phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity resulting to an increase in total phenolic compounds. Moreover, ZnSO4 at 18 mM induced H2O2 content but are sufficiently countered with the increase in antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. In conclusion, the 3-day-old microgreen was the most effective age for the start of the daily spraying of ZnSO4 before harvesting at 7-day-old. Higher concentrations of ZnSO4 (6-18 mM) enhanced the phytochemical compounds and enzymatic antioxidant activities but reduced growth. In contrast, lower concentration (< 4 mM) only improved microgreens growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aril paleness and sunburn of fruits in pomegranate are important disorders that significantly reduce marketability. The present research conducted to evaluate the effects of kaolin on pomegranate fruit quality and arranged as factorial design based on completely randomized block including time of spraying (late May or early July) of kaolin (KP) and different levels of KP. Data showed that there was a negative correlation between aril potassium (K) content and peel K content with aril paleness disorder. KP significantly decreased fruit temperature, sunburn (SB) and aril paleness, but, K contents in aril and peel, fruit quality (total phenol and vitamin C) and total aril weight significantly improved. Application of kaolin in late May was more useful compared with early July. Conclusion: Regarding to data, it is concluded that application of kaolin on pomegranate trees grown under hot climate is very useful improving fruit marketability and decreasing aril paleness disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of plant-growth-promotion rhizobacteria will play a vital role in phosphorus (P) fertilizers management because of the restricted P resources within the world. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) in different concentrations of P (12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 and 62.5 mg L−1) on growth, P uptake and quality characteristics of 'Lollo Rosso' lettuce in hydroponic condition. The results showed that the effect of B. subtilis on growth, biochemical attributes and P concentration in plant tissues was significant. So that, only the fresh weight of leaves in bacterial treatments increased by about 21% compared to the control. Without B. subtilis, P application enhanced multiple plant growth indices, P uptake and antioxidant compounds in 'Lollo Rosso' plants. The finding of this experiment also clearly indicated that in inoculated plants with a 25% reduction in P consumption in nutrient solution (37.5 mg L−1 treatment) quality characteristics of lettuce such as flavonoids and vitamin C contents and also root and shoot P concentrations were not significantly different from the 50 mg L−1. Our results recommend that the utilization of B. subtilis in hydroponic condition can improve growth, quality characteristics, and P uptake and ultimately decrease the use of P fertilizers, which can be an efficient tool for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is an important vegetable crop which provides approximately 40% of the daily recommended vitamin C and vitamin A, which supports human health. The experiments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having four treatments and four time repetition under high tunnel. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers were applied at the rate of 60:60:60 kg/ha or 1:1:1 to T1, T2 and T3 after each 10, 20 and 30 day's interval while Zn (5 kg/ha) was applied as a basal dose. The highest marketable yield was observed for T2 after each 20 days of NPK application. Maximum Grad-A fruit among the treatments was recorded for T1, Grade-B for T2 & T3 and Grade-C for T0. Highest density was recorded for T2, % moisture for T0, maximum chlorophyll content in leaves was recorded for T2 while highest shelf life was noted for T1, T2 and T3 except T0. The fruit and straw of tomato was analyzed to determine N, P and K (%) by using standard protocol. Among all the treatments highest N, P and K in fruit was observed for T1. In case of straw maximum N was observed for T1 whereas high level of P and K was recorded for T2. Similarly the total NPK uptake were in the order as: T1 > T2 > T3 >T0, respectively. Experiential findings revealed that application of NPK after each 20 days are the suitable interval to get high marketable yield and highly bio-fortified and quality tomato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different N applications with different planting dates on yield, leaf nutrients and some quality parameters of head lettuce (Lactuva sativa L. var. capitata cv. Bombola) grown in substrate-culture. The experiment was conducted in an unheated plastic polyethylene (PE) covered greenhouses of the Ege University Bayındır Vocational Training School in Turkey during the winter-early spring of 2016-2017. The trial was established in a randomized block design (RBD) with four replications. In this study, the development and yields ​​of iceberg seedlings, grown at four different planting dates (8th and 23th of February; 9th and 23th of March), were determined under three different nitrogen applications (75, 150, and 250 mg N L−1). The results showed that the studied traits were affected by the treatments, so that the highest yield (334 g head−1), number of leaves (39), DW (4.56%), and Vit.C (13.45%) was obtained on 23th of Feb. (second planting date). According of Nitrogen applications, highest yield (399 g/head), number of leaves (40), DW (5.13%) was found in 150 mg L−1 N application. Overall results indicated that the most suitable cultivation period for iceberg was February, which was the first (8th Feb.) planting date in this current study. Second planting date of experiment (23rd Feb.) was also acceptable for the suitable cultivation. It was also concluded that 75–150 mg N L−1 applications could be recommended for the nutrition of iceberg in soilless culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth promotion using beneficial bacteria is an eco-friendly approach to meet the worldwide need for raising crop yields. This research was done in a greenhouse during 2017 and 2018 seasons to investigate the effect of bacterial biofertilization using three strains, AP-28 of Pseudomonas koreensis, AP-29 of Ralstonia pickettii, and AP-51 of Bacillus cereus on kale plants. Seeds of kale plants were soaked in bacterial solutions for three hours and compared with untreated seeds. Our results exhibited that the highest significant differences in vegetative growth, including plant length (16.76 and 15 cm), leaf number (14.33 and 14.00), and leaf area (100.52 and 99.73 cm2) were obtained from AP-51 treatment compared with control (11.33 and 10.67 cm), (10 and 11.67) and (100.52 and 99.73 cm2) in both seasons, respectively. In both seasons, seed treatment with AP-51 produced the highest significant ascorbic acid (1.373 and 1.309 mg/g) compared with control (6.82 and 8.23 mg/100g, respectively). The highest phenolic contents in both seasons were produced by AP-51 (1.83 and 2.10 mg/g) compared to untreated plants (1.31 and 1.46 mg/g, respectively). AP-51 recorded the highest yield (95.81 and 94.75 g/plant) compared with control (72.92 and 82.76 g/plant) in both seasons, respectively. Macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), as well as microelements (Fe, Cu, and Zn), were examined. The treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria has been recognized as an environmentally sustainable approach to reduce the inputs of chemical fertilizers and to increase crop productivity, phytochemical composition, and mineral contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of four concentrations of humic acid (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg ha−1, HA applied to the soil) and kinetin (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L−1, KT, foliar sprayed) on vegetative growth, yield and biochemical attributes of radish cv. Watermelon, grown in two seasons of spring and autumn, were investigated. Results showed that, the number of leaves per plant, leaf area and chlorophyll content increased with application of HA and KT in both seasons, while the high levels of treatments had no significant effect on leaf number per plant and chlorophyll content in spring season. The root diameter, fresh weight and yield increased significantly with application of HA and KT in both seasons, though, this increase was noticeable in the autumn season. Our results also showed that radish root treated by HA and KT exhibited higher root firmness, vitamin C, anthocyanin content and total soluble solids (TSS), especially in autumn cultivation. Macronutrient contents of root including magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and calcium (Ca) were significantly enhanced by HA and KT, however high concentration of KT in combination with high concentration of HA decreased some nutrient contents. Generally, the results of this study demonstrated that cultivation season is one of the most important management tools to minimize the negative effects of high temperature during root development. In addition, the benefits of KT spray combined with HA were inconsistent between both seasons, but showed more in the autumn crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effect of water shortage on onion growth and quality was evaluated under soil humic acid (HA) application. Three levels of irrigation namely: a1; 80%, a2; 70% and a3; 60% of field capacity (FC) were supplied to plants in combination with two levels of HA namely: b1; 0 and b2; 100 mg/kg soil, in a factorial and completely randomized design with four replications. The interaction of irrigation and HA was significant on leaf dry weight, vitamin C, calcium, total chlorophyll and bulb flavonoids, while the onion fresh yield was not affected by treatments. Many plant growth traits showed a reducing trend with deficit irrigation levels. The leaf biomass as well as the leaf concentrations of potassium, calcium and zinc were significantly decreased under highest water deficit treatment (60% FC; a3b1 and a3b2) compared to control (a1b1) treatment. Leaf vitamin C and calcium concentration showed almost a similar response in which their highest levels were observed in a1b2 treatment, while the lowest amounts were recorded under higher water shortage (a3b1), and application of HA (a3b2) significantly increased these traits under higher water shortage. The amounts of bulb flavonoids and phenols were increased by deficit irrigation and application of HA further increased their content under highest deficit irrigation. The results indicate that water deficit particularly at highest level reduced onion plant growth, while soil application of HA significantly increased the growth and quality traits including leaf biomass, vitamin C, and minerals like Ca, as well as bulb flavonoids under water deficit conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf spraying of silicon (Si) depending on the source and concentration can biofortify the tomato fruit by increasing the content of ascorbic acid and the firmness of the fruit. The objective of this study was to determine whether foliar spraying of Si from different sources and at several concentrations provided Si biofortified tomatoes and to evaluate their technological quality. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a pot. The treatments consisted of four Si sources (monosilicic acid, potassium silicate, potassium silicate and sodium silicate mixture, and nanosilica) and four Si concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g L−1) arranged in randomized blocks with five replicates. After flowering, the Micro-Tom tomato plants were sprayed with Si once a week for five weeks. Si applied via foliar in the reproductive phase of tomato plants is efficient for providing Si biofortified tomato while the concentration of 0.4 g L−1 Si from the monosilicic acid source resulted in the highest increase of ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, and fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), originally from South America, is the third most produced fruit in Brazil. The potassium nutrient plays a fundamental role on the fruit quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of potassium doses applied to the soil on fruit yield and on the physical and chemical characteristics of the Pérola pineapple cultivar. The design used randomized block design with four repetitions; the treatments consisted of five doses of K2O: 0; 222; 444; 666 and 888 kg ha−1 applied in the form of potassium chloride, divided into two applications, after floral induction. The evaluated variables were: fruit yield per hectare and pulp, fruit and crown fresh mass, fruit diameter, fruit and crown lengths, titratable acidity, soluble solids, vitamin C, juice pH and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. Potassic fertilization increased the yield of both fruit and pulp per hectare, the fruit and crown fresh mass, the diameter of the fruit, the lengths of the fruit and crown, titratable acidity, soluble solids, vitamin C and decreased the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acidity in the juice. The rise in potassium nutrition improves the quality and yield aspects of the pineapple 'Pérola' fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic biofortification is the fastest and less expensive method to overcome micronutrient deficiencies of iron, zinc and selenium. Fertilizers also help in augmenting vitamins and other food qualities. Although fertilizers have contributed vastly toward increase in food production, their misuse or rather abuse has led to severe environmental pollution. These include eutrophication of sea and inland waters, depletion of ozone layer and global warming. Fertilizers also contribute toward an increase in mineral and vitamin content in crops. Micronutrient fertilizers can increase concentration of iron and zinc in grains and vegetables, the deficiencies of which are widespread in Asian and African countries. Nitrogen fertilization can increase content of carotene in carrots. Liming is reported to increase calcium concentration in vegetables. Similarly, sulfur (S) fertilization can increase the content of S-containing amino acids in grains, glucosinolates in many Brassica species and alliin content in garlic and onion. As regards, vitamin C, there are increases as well decreases due to nitrogen reported in literature; the minor decreases are well compensated by an increase in yield. Potassium fertilization is reported to increase vitamin C content in some vegetables. Nitrogen fertilization increases nitrate content in vegetables, which is considered harmful, but some recent reports suggests advantages of this increase. Instead of blaming fertilizer for quality of food and environmental degradation, sincere efforts are needed toward its judicious application and avoiding its overuse or abuse and biofortification is the best suited method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of different levels of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers on vegetative fresh bulb yield, quality and biochemical attributes of sweet fennel were investigated in spring 2017 and 2018. Treatments consisted of 0, 50, 100, or 150 kg ha−1 of N and K in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that, the bulb fresh yield increased with application of N and K in both years, while the higher level of K had significant adverse effect in first year. Results also showed that sweet fennel bulb treated by N and K exhibited higher vitamin C, total phenols and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity, especially in first year. In both years, alone or combined application of N and K increased total soluble solids (TSS) content as compared to control, and this effect was more pronounced in 2017 season. Macronutrient contents of bulb including magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), K, N, and calcium (Ca) were significantly enhanced by NK fertilizer, however an alone application of K decreased Ca and Mg nutrient contents. Therefore, to improve fresh bulb yield, quality and antioxidant capacity in sweet fennel, 150 kg ha−1 K and 100 kg ha−1 N is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to substitute mineral fertilizers with biofertilizers in strawberry to work out the yield, quality of strawberry and soil fertility. A 25% substitution of mineral fertilizer with biofertilizer increased the number of fruits/plant along with improving Juice content (89.55%), Total soluble solids (10.35°B), total sugar (6.69%), ascorbic acid (43.80 mg 100 g−1), anthocyanin content (81.05 mg 100 g−1), total phenol (5.97 mg Gallic acid equiv. g−1), flavonoids (0.12 mg g−1) and antioxidant capacity (2.13 µmol. Trolox equiv. 100 g−1). The available N and K content in post-harvest soils were improved significantly with 75% RDF + Azospirillium @ 2 g plant−1 + PSB @ 2 g plant−1 + topdressing of 25% K treatments (200.10 and 211.70 kg ha−1, respectively). Viable count of soil microorganisms (Bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) was also estimated maximum (4066, 190 and 11.33 × 104 cfu g−1 dry soil, respectively) with substitution of 25% of mineral fertilizer either with Azotobacter or Azospirillum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three nutrient recipes containing different concentrations of macronutrients in the vegetative stage [Vegetative Nutrient Solution: (VNS-I, VNS-II, and VNS-III)] and two nutrient recipes in reproductive stage [Reproductive Nutrient Solution: (RNS-I and RNS-II)], on physiological and biochemical parameters of strawberry ‘Paros’ in a soilless system. The results indicated the significant effects of nutrient solution on the photosynthetic capacity, yield, minerals uptake and titratable acidity of strawberry fruits. In the other hand fruit total soluble solids affected by vegetative nutrient solution. The highest yield was obtained under application of lowest level of minerals. Vegetative growth including leaf number and leaf area, as well as total chlorophyll were the highest as potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and nitrogen (N) concentrations were increased. The highest content of N and Ca2+ uptake were in VNS-III × RNS-I formulation. Additionally, the highest vitamin C was in VNS-I formulation. Moreover, the most firmed fruits and the highest post-harvest shelf life of fruits were produced in VNS-III × RNS-I formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different growing media on some properties of tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum L. cv. Falcato). Four growing media including wheat residue, composted wheat residue, coco peat + perlite, and coco peat + soil were applied in pot experiment with completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that fruit yield, chlorophyll, and vitamin C contents of tomatoes grown in the composted wheat residue and coco peat + perlite treatments were significantly greater than the other growth media. Fresh weight of root and inflorescence were higher in the tomatoes cultivated in the composted wheat residue pots than the other media. Higher internode length and nutrient concentrations in leaf and fruit at the coco peat + perlite treatment were obtained as compared to the other growth media treatments. According to the results, it can be concluded that the coco peat + perlite can be substituted for by composted wheat residue for the cultivation of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of potassium (K+) concentration on the nutritional quality and yield of pepper fruits was evaluated. Pepper plants were grown in a controlledenvironment greenhouse under hydroponic conditions with different nutrient solutions obtained by modifying the Hoagland solution to achieve different K+ concentrations. Potassium nutrition affected fruit yield parameters more than vegetative biomass in pepper plants. The maximum fruit yield was obtained with 7 mM K+ in the nutrient solution. However, it is possible to improve the bioactive compounds of pepper fruits with a higher application of K+ without reducing yield. The increase of K+ in the nutrient solution improved pepper fruit quality by increasing fruit firmness, TSS content, soluble sugars and ascorbic acid concentration. Therefore, the fruit quality improvements obtained with adequate K+ nutrition resulted in nutritionally enriched fruits, which, at little or no extra cost, benefits the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baby leaf crops such as rocket are popular in mixed salads and add flavor and diversity to these dishes. Rocket leaves contain many beneficial compounds to human health, including vitamin C. It is important to determine abiotic factors that influence the concentration of this compound; in order to improve the supply of quality produce with a high nutritional value. The possibility of a nutrient claim for leaves of perennial wall rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia(L.) DC.] and annual garden rocket (Eruca sativaMill.) was examined under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) framework. Crops were supplied with 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg · ha−1of nitrogen (N); leaves were stored at 0, 4, and 7°C for 15 days. The cultivar and amount of nitrogen supplied to perennial wall rocket did not affect the concentration of vitamin C in leaves at harvest, with a mean of 79.6 mg 100 g−1. For annual garden rocket there was an interaction between cultivar and nitrogen supply, with higher levels of supply generally resulting in lower vitamin C concentrations at harvest. The postharvest stability of vitamin C in both crops was best maintained at the lowest storage temperature. The results of this study illustrate that if stored at 0°C, both species contain vitamin C in sufficient quantities 15 days after harvest, to result in a “good source” health claim [>25% recommended daily intake (RDI)]. However, the storage temperature in the supply chain is typically ∼7°C, still permitting a “source” health claim (>10% RDI) for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydroponic culture was used to study different nitrogen and calcium supply patterns on biomass, nutritive, and safety quality of spinach seven days before harvesting. The results showed that the complete or partial withdrawal of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) nutrient decreased spinach biomass compared to control (CK). At the same time, the withdrawal of N and Ca supply before harvesting increased vitamin C contents and decreased nitrate and oxalate content in edible parts of spinach. The decrease in spinach biomass could be partially compensated by the increase of the nutritive and safety quality of spinach and the reduced use of N and Ca nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan during the year 2008–2009 to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid to minimize the toxicity of salinity on sunflower. For this purpose different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 50, 100 mg L−1) were applied through foliar spray at vegetative stage of sunflower plants. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design. In this study, growth, yield and physiological parameters of the sunflower plants were collected to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid under salt stress. Concentration of 100 mg L−1of ascorbic acid applied as foliar spray significantly enhanced the fresh and dry weight of shoot of sunflower, photosynthetic pigments, ions uptake such as potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) and 100 achene weight of sunflower. These findings led us to conclude that foliar applied ascorbic acid could mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of nitrogen (N) nutrition on fruit quality and shelf life of cucurbitaceous vegetable, bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) using poultry manure as an organic source. Three levels of nitrogen (200, 250 and 300 kg N ha−1) were applied in three ratios of organic-chemical N substitutions (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) at three different frequencies of application. The experiment was laid out as confounded 33 design in 9-plot blocks with two replications confounding LR2F in RI and LRF2 in RII. The crude protein, total phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) content of fruits increased with increasing levels of N application and were highest with 300 kg. Highest iron content was recorded (0.10%) with higher doses of N. Higher levels of N nutrition reduced the ascorbic acid content in fruits. More frequent split application of nutrient N or greater proportion of organic source enhanced the shelf life of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of the research was to study the effect of different fertilizers on the productivity and fruit composition of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinum angustifolium Ait.) cultivated in abandoned peat pits. The experiment was established in 2000 with two-year-old seedlings on cutover peat field in North Estonia (59° 9'N and 25° 19'E). The soil type in the experimental area was Fibric-Dystric Histosol and the cutover peat layer was more than 1.0 m thick. Total yield, fruit weight, fruit titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content were determined. The effect of fertilization on the ascorbic acid content was different in 2004-2005. Liming increased fruit anthocyanin content in both years when nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were applied at the rate of 0.8, 2.0 and 7.2 g m-1, respectively. Application of the same fertilizer rate without liming, produced sweeter fruits. Thus, research results indicated that fertilization of lowbush blueberries on cutover peat fields is necessary and in order to get high quality yield, the right fertilization rate is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess whether exogenous application of ascorbic acid (AsA) through different ways could alleviate the adverse effects of salt-induced adverse effects on two wheat cultivars differing in salinity tolerance, plants of a salt tolerant ('S-24') and a moderately salt sensitive ('MH-97') cultivar were grown at 0 or 120 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). Ascorbic acid (100 mg L-1) was applied through the rooting medium, or as seed soaking or as foliar spray to non-stressed and salt stressed plants of wheat. Salt stress-induced reduction in growth was ameliorated by exogenous application of ascorbic acid through different ways. However, root applied AsA caused more growth enhancement under saline conditions. Leaf ascorbic acid, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also maximal in salt stressed plants of both cultivars treated with AsA through the rooting medium. Furthermore, leaf ascorbic acid, CAT, POD, and SOD activities were higher in salt stressed plants of 'S-24' than those of 'MH-97'. Root applied AsA caused more enhancements in photosynthetic rate. Root applied AsA caused more reduction in leaf sodium (Na+) compared with AsA applied as a seed soaking or foliar spray. Overall, AsA-induced growth improvement in these two wheat cultivars under saline conditions was cultivar specific and seemed to be associated with higher endogenous AsA, which triggered the antioxidant system and enhanced photosynthetic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study demonstrated S. alfredii is an excellent cadmium (Cd)/zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulator as Cd and Zn concentrations in leaves reached 2,183 and 13,799 mg kg-1 DW, respectively. There was a significant increase in root morphological parameters induced by 50 and 500 μM Zn supplement; however, a sharp decrease in these parameters occurred when treated with 100 μM Cd +1000 μM Zn. The inhibited root dehydrogenase activity in 100 μM Cd treated plants was restored to control levels when supplemented with 500 μM Zn. Moderate Zn supplement did not produce significant changes in (malondialdehyde) MDA concentrations as compared with those treated with Cd alone. Variations of the antioxidative enzymes proved an ineffective role in coping with metal-stress in S. alfredii. Combined Cd and Zn treatment significantly enhanced ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents in leaves of S. alfredii, as compared with those treated with Cd alone. Thus, Zn may rely on the involvement of GSH in detoxification and tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are gaining popularity among consumers because of their flavor, sweetness, potential health benefits, and ease of consumption. Most grape tomatoes are indeterminate varieties. Hence, current production practices (including fertilization rates) may need to be adjusted to larger plants, longer growing seasons, and harvests over several months of the indeterminate varieties. The responses of physical (color and moisture content) and chemical [vitamin C, pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), carotenoids, and soluble solid content (SSC)] parameters for 'Honey Bunch' yellow grape tomato to nitrogen (N) rates were evaluated. In Spring 2005, tomatoes were grown on a Lakeland fine sand in North Florida using plasticulture and N rates of 0, 78, 157, 235, 314, and 392 kg/ha. Tomatoes were harvested fully ripen on 81 and 105 d after transplanting (DAT = 0 on March 24th), and uniform 20-fruit samples were carefully selected. Increasing N rate significantly reduced vitamin C concentration from 44 to 35 mg/100 g and TTA from 0.47% to 0.38% citric acid, but did not significantly affect lutein (mean = 0.26 micro-g/g) and β-carotene (mean = 0.82 micro-g/g) concentrations or color. Response of pulp pH to N rate was significant but within the narrow 4.5 to 4.7 range. Soluble solid contents decreased as N rate decreased for the first harvest (8.1 to 5.6 for 0 to 392 kg/ha of N), but increased for the second harvest (6.9 to 10.1 for 0 to 314 kg/ha of N). Overall, N rate did not have a marked effect on selected quality parameters, suggesting that variety and/or other environmental factors may be more important than N rate in determining chemical composition of grape tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of cadmium (Cd) on biomass accumulation and physiological activity and alleviation of Cd-toxicity by application of zinc (Zn) and ascorbic acid in barley was studied, using semisolid medium culture including 15 treatments [four Cd concentration treatments: 0.1, 1, 5, 50 µmol L-1, four treatments with addition of 300 µmol L-1 Zn or 250 mg L-1 ascorbic acid (ASA) based on these four Cd concentrations, respectively, and three controls: basic nutrient medium, and with Zn or ASA, respectively]. Cadmium addition to semisolid medium, at a concentration of 1, 5, and 50 µmol L-1, inhibited biomass accumulation and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of barley plants, while the addition of 0.1 µmol L-1 Cd increased slightly dry mass. There was a tendency to a decrease in Zn, copper (Cu) concentrations both in shoots and roots and iron (Fe) in shoots of barley plants exposed to 1 to 50 µmol L-1 Cd. In addition, there were indications of a stress repose characterized by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities relative to plants not subjected to Cd. The physiological changes caused by Cd toxicity could be alleviated to different extent by application of 300 µmol L-1 Zn or 250 mg L-1 ASA in Cd stressed plants. The most pronounced effects of adding Zn or ASA in Cd stressed medium were expressed in the decreased MDA and increased biomass accumulation, e.g., MDA contents were reduced (p≤0.01) by 4.8%–17.8% in shoots and 0.5%–19.7% in roots by adding 300 µmol L-1 Zn, in 50 µmol L-1 Cd stressed plants, and by 1.3%–7.4% in shoots and 2.6%–4.5% in roots by application of 250 µmol L-1 ASA, respectively. However, ASA addition may enhance Cd translation from root to shoot, accordingly, ASA would be unsuitable for the edible crops grown in Cd contaminated soils to alleviate phytotoxicity of Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]