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12 pages, 1237 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hydroponic Production of Selenium-Enriched Baby Leaves of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and Its Wild Ancestor Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima)

by Martina Puccinelli, Irene Rosellini, Fernando Malorgio, Alberto Pardossi and Beatrice Pezzarossa

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080909 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952

Abstract

The human intake of selenium (Se), which is an essential element in animals and humans, can be increased through the consumption of vegetables that have been biofortified during cultivation. There is increasing interest in wild edible plants (WEPs) due to their positive effects [...] Read more.

The human intake of selenium (Se), which is an essential element in animals and humans, can be increased through the consumption of vegetables that have been biofortified during cultivation. There is increasing interest in wild edible plants (WEPs) due to their positive effects on health. In fact, many WEPs are rich in microelements, vitamins, dietary fibers, and several antioxidant compounds. Among WEPs, sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) is the wild ancestor of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). The present study investigated the potential of fortifying Swiss chard and sea beet with Se. The two subspecies were cultivated in a floating system with a nutrient solution enriched with four concentrations of Se (0, 1, 3, and 5 mg L⁻¹), and the production and quality of the baby leaves were evaluated. The addition of Se to the nutrient solution resulted in a higher leaf concentration of this microelement in both subspecies, with a positive effect on the yield (+20%) and leaf chlorophyll concentration (+25%) at the Se concentration of 1 mg L⁻¹. The leaf concentration of nitrates was reduced by the Se treatment in sea beet regardless of the Se concentration (−24%, on average). Selenium biofortification was more effective in sea beet plants than in Swiss chard due to the higher ability of the wild species to acquire readily available minerals from the hydroponic nutrient solution. In conclusion, both subspecies accumulated a significant amount of Se without negative effects on yield or leaf quality, thus proving them to be suitable for the production of Se-enriched baby leaves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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17 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Different Types of Carbon Sources on Glucosinolate and Phenolic Compounds in Radish Sprouts

by Chang Ha Park, Minsol Choi, Ye Eun Park, Hyeon Ji Yeo, Jae Kwang Kim, Yeon Bok Kim, Subramanian Sankaranarayanan, Ramaraj Sathasivam and Sang Un Park

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060679 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

Radish sprouts are valued as a key nutrient-dense food in Asian countries. In the current study, we examined how radish sprouts responded to treatments with various carbon sources. The influence of those treatments in parameters such as plant growth and glucosinolate and phenolic [...] Read more.

Radish sprouts are valued as a key nutrient-dense food in Asian countries. In the current study, we examined how radish sprouts responded to treatments with various carbon sources. The influence of those treatments in parameters such as plant growth and glucosinolate and phenolic compounds levels were analyzed. A positive correlation between plant growth and the accumulation of glucosinolates and phenolics was observed. In this study, except for galactose treatment, all other carbon-exposed radish sprouts showed the highest shoot and root length and fresh weight. Seven different glucosinolate and five phenolic compounds were identified in radish sprouts. The total glucosinolates and phenolic compound content were increased after treatments with different carbon sources. Radish sprouts exposed to sucrose showed the highest total glucosinolates and phenolics content, which was 1.22-fold and 1.45-fold higher than that of untreated sprouts, respectively. Moreover, sucrose exposure led to a higher production of glucoiberin, gluconapoleiferin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, glucoerucin, glucoraphasatin, glucobrassicin, gallic acid, sinapic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid compared to that of untreated sprouts. The results obtained in this study will be helpful for researchers around the world to enhance specific glucosinolate and phenolic compounds by treating the radish sprout plants with suitable carbon sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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17 pages, 3048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmers’ Intention to Adopt Agronomic Biofortification: The Case of Iodine Biofortified Vegetables in Uganda

by Nathaline Onek Aparo, Solomon Olum, Alice Onek Atimango, Walter Odongo, Bonny Aloka, Duncan Ongeng, Xavier Gellynck and Hans De Steur

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030401 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1741

Abstract

Agronomic biofortification, the application of fertilizer to increase micronutrient concentrations in staple food crops, has been increasingly promoted as a valuable approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, but its success inevitably depends on farmers’ acceptance and adoption. By using iodine fertilizers as a case, [...] Read more.

Agronomic biofortification, the application of fertilizer to increase micronutrient concentrations in staple food crops, has been increasingly promoted as a valuable approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, but its success inevitably depends on farmers’ acceptance and adoption. By using iodine fertilizers as a case, this study aimed to understand vegetable farmers’ intentions to adopt agronomic biofortification. Therefore, the focus is on the potential role of socio-psychological factors, derived from two well-established theoretical models in explaining adoption intentions. Data from a cross-sectional survey of 465 cowpea and cabbage farmers from a high-risk region of Uganda were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The findings show that 75% of the farmers are likely to adopt agronomic iodine biofortification and are willing to devote a substantial part of their land to this innovation. Farmers’ intention to adopt strongly depends on their attitude and control beliefs regarding iodine biofortification, vegetable type, access to extension services, and farmland size. This study highlights the crucial role that behavioral and attitude factors play in communities at risk for nutritional disorders’ potential acceptance and sustained implementation of vegetable biofortification. To reinforce the observed positive inclination towards iodine biofortification among vegetable farmers, it is essential to increase awareness of the benefits, potential risks, and consequences of iodine deficiency, accompanied by motivational strategies to enhance farmers’ inherent beliefs in their ability to implement this innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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13 pages, 1256 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Iron Biofortification of Greenhouse Cherry Tomatoes Grown in a Soilless System

by Camila Vanessa Buturi, Silvia Renata Machado Coelho, Claudio Cannata, Federico Basile, Francesco Giuffrida, Cherubino Leonardi and Rosario Paolo Mauro

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100858 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2263

Abstract

Iron (Fe) biofortification is a strategy to increase the amount of iron in food crops. The goal of this work was to assess the possibility of maximizing the Fe content in cherry tomatoes grown in a soilless system. The cultivar Creativo was grown [...] Read more.

Iron (Fe) biofortification is a strategy to increase the amount of iron in food crops. The goal of this work was to assess the possibility of maximizing the Fe content in cherry tomatoes grown in a soilless system. The cultivar Creativo was grown with three concentrations of Fe (as Fe-HBED) in the nutrient solution (0.022, 1, and 2 mmol L⁻¹), and received further foliar applications of the element (as Fe-DTPA) at 0, 250, and 500 µmol L⁻¹. The addition of 2 mmol Fe L⁻¹ to the nutrient solution, together with foliar sprays at 500 µmol Fe L⁻¹, induced the highest increase in fruit Fe concentration in clusters 1 and 2 (by 163% and 190%, respectively). The Fe added to the nutrient solution increased the fruit dry matter (up to +10.21%) but decreased the fruit’s fresh weight (up to −11.06%). The higher Fe concentrations provided to the crop synergistically increased the contents of other minerals (i.e., K, Mg, Na, and Zn), along with the fruit’s titratable acidity and soluble solids content, improving multiple functional and quality traits of the cherry tomatoes. These results show that Fe biofortification of cherry tomatoes can be effective to address Fe deficiency while obtaining high-quality products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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17 pages, 2592 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biofortification of Lettuce and Basil Seedlings to Produce Selenium Enriched Leafy Vegetables

by Martina Puccinelli, Fernando Malorgio, Lucia Pintimalli, Irene Rosellini and Beatrice Pezzarossa

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090801 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1719

Abstract

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been recognized as a good strategy to improve the nutritive value of vegetables and increase Se daily intake in humans. Identifying the most appropriate method to enrich plants is a key issue in the biofortification process. We [...] Read more.

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been recognized as a good strategy to improve the nutritive value of vegetables and increase Se daily intake in humans. Identifying the most appropriate method to enrich plants is a key issue in the biofortification process. We tested a biofortification technique that produces Se enriched seedlings for transplant, yet barely modifies conventional cultivation techniques. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were exposed to selenium by adding 0, 1 and 3 mg L⁻¹ (lettuce) and 0, 2 and 3 mg L⁻¹ (basil) of Se, as sodium selenate, to the growing substrate immediately after sowing. When seedlings reached an appropriate size, they were transplanted into the open field, and plants were grown until maturity. Lettuce and basil seedlings accumulated selenium without any reduction in leaf biomass at maturity. The highest dose of Se induced a higher antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content in both species at both sampling times. At maturity, biofortified plants still showed a higher leaf Se content compared to the control, and would be able to provide from 10% to 17% (lettuce) and from 9% to 12% (basil) of the adequate intake (AI) of Se. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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14 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Efficacy and Comparison of Different Strategies for Selenium Biofortification of Tomatoes

by Anton Shiriaev, Beatrice Pezzarossa, Irene Rosellini, Fernando Malorgio, Silvia Lampis, Antonio Ippolito and Pietro Tonutti

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090800 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

At appropriate concentrations, selenium (Se) is beneficial for humans. Tomato appears to be one of the best commodities for producing Se-biofortified fruit for dietary supplementation. To assess the efficacy of different enrichment protocols, a total of four on-plant and off-plant trials were conducted. [...] Read more.

At appropriate concentrations, selenium (Se) is beneficial for humans. Tomato appears to be one of the best commodities for producing Se-biofortified fruit for dietary supplementation. To assess the efficacy of different enrichment protocols, a total of four on-plant and off-plant trials were conducted. Hydroponically grown tomato plants were sprayed with: (i) chemically synthesized Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) at 0, 1, and 1.5 mg Se L⁻¹ at blooming; (ii) sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) or SeNPs solution at 0, 5, and 10 mg Se L⁻¹ when the fruit entered the immature green stage. With regard to the off-plant trials, harvested mature green fruit were immersed in Na₂SeO₄ solution: (iii) at 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg Se L⁻¹ for 15 s under a vacuum; (iv) at 0, 40, and 80 mg Se L⁻¹ for 1 h. Spraying Na₂SeO₄ induced higher Se accumulation in plant tissue than SeNPs: both protocols were effective in enriching tomatoes. Postharvest Se enrichment via vacuum infiltration caused textural damage, whereas passive immersion in solution induced fruit Se accumulation without causing any damage. SeNPs appear to be quantitatively less effective than Na₂SeO₄, but might be environmentally safer. Elemental Se carried by NPs may be more easily incorporated into organic forms, which are more bioavailable for humans. Passive immersion may represent an alternative Se-enrichment strategy, allowing for the biofortification of harvested tomato fruit directly, with lower risks of environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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16 pages, 1454 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Foliar Application of Selenium under Nano Silicon on Artemisia annua: Effects on Yield, Antioxidant Status, Essential Oil, Artemisinin Content and Mineral Composition

by Nadezhda Golubkina, Lidia Logvinenko, Dmitry Konovalov, Ekaterina Garsiya, Mikhail Fedotov, Andrey Alpatov, Oksana Shevchuk, Liubov Skrypnik, Agnieszka Sekara and Gianluca Caruso

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070597 - 02 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1909

Abstract

The unique biological properties of A. annua have stimulated the research on its cultivation in different regions of the world. In this study, the effect of the Se and nano-Si supply on the yield, biochemical characteristics and mineral content of A. annua was [...] Read more.

The unique biological properties of A. annua have stimulated the research on its cultivation in different regions of the world. In this study, the effect of the Se and nano-Si supply on the yield, biochemical characteristics and mineral content of A. annua was investigated. Growth stimulation and a significant increase in the antioxidant status were recorded under Se and nano-Si foliar application. A decrease in the number of essential oil components and significant changes in the essential oil amount and composition led to significant phenophase shifts: nano-Si significantly stimulated eucalyptol and artemisia ketone accumulation and decreased germacrene D production, whereas Se demonstrated the opposite effect. A joint Se and nano-Si supply significantly decreased the camphor content and increased artemisia ketone and artemisinin levels by 1.3–1.5 times. Se/Si supplementation affected the macro- and microelements content, causing either a redistribution of leaves/stems elements (Al, Li and Zn) or a significant decrease in Ca, Mg, K, B, Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations in leaves, with no signs in growth inhibition or a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments content. The biofortification of A. annua with Se singly or in combination with nano-Si resulted in the synthesis of products with a Se content of as much as approximately 16% of the daily adequate Se consumption level (ACL) when using 5 g day⁻¹ as a spice, or 36% of ACL when using 50 mL of tea infusion (1:2, v/w). The results indicated a high possibility of Se and nano-Si application toward the regulation of A. annua growth, biochemical characteristics (including essential oil and artemisinin) and mineral content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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Review

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24 pages, 2523 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Current Acquaintance on Agronomic Biofortification to Modulate the Yield and Functional Value of Vegetable Crops: A Review

by Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Michele Ciriello, Leo Sabatino, Lorena Vultaggio, Sara Baldassano, Sonya Vasto, Youssef Rouphael, Salvatore La Bella and Stefania De Pascale

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020219 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2678

Abstract

Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been the mainstays of good nutrition as providers of fiber, beneficial phytochemicals (such as vitamins and phenolic compounds), and minerals. Today and in the future, biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds. [...] Read more.

Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been the mainstays of good nutrition as providers of fiber, beneficial phytochemicals (such as vitamins and phenolic compounds), and minerals. Today and in the future, biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds. Considering the importance of minerals in human health, the enrichment of fresh produce for consumption has been considered through specific agronomic approaches. This review discusses, in detail, the latest findings on vegetable agronomic biofortification, aimed at increasing the concentration of crucial minerals, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and silicon (Si), in edible portions, focusing on the direct and indirect effects of this strategy. Although agronomic biofortification is considered a feasible technique, the approach is complex due to the many interactions between the microelement bioavailability for both plants and consumers. Therefore, the effects of biofortification on human health and the influence of beneficial and antinutritional compounds were discussed in detail to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Biofortification: Strategies, Benefits and Challenges)

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