Search Results (49)

Perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.—DC.) exhibits genotype-dependent responses to biostimulant applications, which have not yet been deeply investigated. A two-year greenhouse factorial experiment was carried out to assess the interactions between five cultivars (Mars, Naples, Tricia, Venice, and Olivetta), three biostimulant formulations (Cystoseira tamariscifolia L. extract; a commercial legume-derived protein hydrolysate, “Dynamic”; and Spirulina platensis extract) plus an untreated control, and three crop cycles (autumn, autumn–winter, and winter) on leaf yield and dry matter, organic acids, colorimetric parameters, hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities, nitrate concentration, nitrogen use efficiency, and mineral composition, using a split plot design with three replicates. Protein hydrolysate significantly enhanced yield and nitrogen use efficiency in Mars (+26%), Naples (+25.6%), Tricia (+25%), and Olivetta (+26%) compared to the control, while Spirulina platensis increased the mentioned parameters only in Venice (+36.2%). Nitrate accumulation was reduced by biostimulant application just in Venice, indicating genotype-dependent nitrogen metabolism responses. The findings of the present research demonstrate that the biostimulant efficacy in perennial wall rocket is mainly ruled by genotypic factors, and the appropriate combinations between the two mentioned experimental factors allow for optimization of leaf yield and quality while maintaining nitrate concentration under the regulation thresholds. Full article

Diplotaxis tenuifolia, a species with high nutritional value, was recently introduced in Romania, making in-depth research necessary to develop an efficient cultivation technology to increase agronomic and economic potential. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of three mulch treatments—white polyethylene film (WLDPE), black polyethylene film (BLDPE), and nonmulched (NM)—along with three fertilization regimes—organic (OF), chemical (ChF), and nonfertilized (NF)—on the yield and quality of the Bologna cultivar of perennial wall–rocket under the climatic conditions of northeastern Romania. The results showed that mulching with white polyethylene films significantly increased the CO₂ assimilation rate, although it did not lead to substantial differences in agro-morphological traits compared to the non-mulched variant. However, plants grown under WLDPE exhibited a significantly higher leaf area index and yield than those under BLDPE mulch. In contrast, BLDPE mulch had a positive effect on dry matter accumulation and β-carotene content. The variations in fertilization regime had no significant impact on most traits analyzed. Significant differences were noted in the CO₂ assimilation rate and DPPH antioxidant activity, with organic fertilization increasing CO₂ assimilation and decreasing DPPH activity compared to chemical and unfertilized regimes. Furthermore, the interaction between mulching practices and fertilization regimes revealed significant influences on the physiological performance and phytochemical composition of perennial wall–rocket. The highest CO₂ assimilation rate and lowest antioxidant activity were recorded in the WLDPE × OF combination, suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency and a reduced oxidative response resulting from the synergistic effects of reflective mulching and organic fertilization. In contrast, the Bologna cultivar experienced the greatest oxidative stress under the unfertilized regime, with the most pronounced effects observed under no mulching. Full article

The study of honey in Iasi County reveals its ecological, economic and health importance, emphasizing its unique properties, role in biodiversity and value in promoting sustainable beekeeping and regional identity. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of honey from Iasi County, Romania, analyzing 27 samples collected in 2020 and 2021. The samples include tilia (8 raw, 7 commercial), acacia (2 raw, 2 commercial), rapeseed (3 raw), sunflower (3 raw) and lavender (2 raw) honey. Analyses were carried out under Romanian/EU standards, assessing parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity (free, lactone, total), pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), ash and mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe). The results revealed significant differences between raw and commercial honeys. Notably, in commercial tilia honey, higher values were found for color (38.58 mm Pfund vs. 24.14 mm Pfund), total acidity (25.93 meq·kg⁻¹ vs. 17.36 meq·kg⁻¹) and HMF levels (8.84 mg·kg⁻¹ vs. 3.68 mg·kg⁻¹). Conversely, water-insoluble solids (0.08% vs. 0.15%) and ash content (0.21% vs. 0.30%) were lower in commercial samples. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, while copper and zinc levels were the lowest. Significant correlations were observed between several parameters, including ash with electrical conductivity and HMF with acidity. This study underscores the impact of processing on honey quality and highlights the importance of understanding honey composition for consumers and producers alike. Full article

Red sweet peppers are economically important since they are widely farmed and consumed worldwide. As a high-value crop, it has a significant impact on the horticulture economy. This study aimed to improve the quality of sweet pepper fruits (total polyphenols; chlorophyll A and B; lycopene, β-carotene, tannins, ABTS, DPPH, protein and 15N) using three hybrids—Kornelya F1, Kaptur F1 and Napoca F1—four fertilization methods (chemical, organic, biologic and unfertilized), and two irrigation regimes (5200 and 7800 m³·ha⁻¹, respectively). The results revealed substantial similarities between organic and conventional management practices. From a genetic point of view, ‘Kornelya’ cultivar reacted well with most compounds with antioxidant effects. This study revealed that peppers react positively when subjected to hydric and nutrient stress, with the fruits having the highest values for total polyphenols, chlorophyll A and B, lycopene, ABTS, and DPPH. Following the interactions between factors, ‘Kornelya’ reacted positively to organic and unfertilized methods with an irrigation regime of 5200 m³·ha⁻¹. Full article

Microgreens represent a valuable source of health-promoting compounds and also a research avenue, since such organisms have a very high plasticity related to environmental cues, allowing biotechnological development with low costs. Ocimum basilicum L. species naturally synthesize valuable, phenolic compounds, among which rosmarinic acid is most prominent. Within the current research, basil plantlets were grown for 10 days under either full spectrum light (white light) or modulated blue/red/far-red/UV spectrum elicitation with an additional factorization, by applying fertilization. Biomass accumulation reached up to 0.8 g/20 plantlets, while chlorophyll fluorescence was in the 0.75–0.78 range and remained uniform across treatments, indicating that no significant stress was exerted under modified light treatment. However, total phenolic contents and, in particular, rosmarinic acid contents, were markedly enhanced (up to 7.5 mg/g in the red cultivar) under modulated light treatment and fertilization, compared to full spectrum light. Moreover, in the red cultivar, gene expression was enhanced, 1.3–6.3 fold for genes coding for enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid synthesis pathways, such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and rosmarinic acid synthetase (RAS). Overall, light modulation coupled with fertilization led to the production of basil microgreens with up to 10% more total phenolics and up to 25% more rosmarinic acid. The results show that, using relatively simple growth equipment and setup, synthesis of health related, valuable compounds can be modulated in microgreens and, hence, serves as an avenue for businesses to develop cost effective biotechnological processes. Full article

Recent agricultural research has prioritized the development of environmentally friendly management strategies to ensure food security, among which the application of biostimulants such as brown algae extracts, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and their combination are included. The experimental protocol was based on the factorial combination of two planting times (4 May and 1 June) and seven biostimulant treatments (three brown algae species, Cystoseria tamariscifolia—C.t.; Fucus vesiculosus—F.v.; Padina pavonica—P.p.; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi—AMF; C.t. + AMF; F.v. + AMF; P.p. + AMF) plus an untreated control. The earlier transplant resulted in a higher yield, due to the higher number of fruits per plant, and a higher plant fresh and dry biomass. The treatments with P.p. and F.v. extracts and the combination P.p. + AMF led to the highest yields (56.7 t ha⁻¹), mainly due to the highest fruit number per plant. The earlier planting time led to higher values of dry residue, soluble solids, firmness, and colour component ‘a’. The highest values of fruit dry residue were recorded under the F.v. and P.p. extracts, and the combinations F.v. + AMF and P.p. + AMF, the highest soluble solid content with P.p. treatment, and firmness under P.p. + AMF. The highest levels of ‘L’ and ‘a’ fruit colour components were obtained under the P.p. extract treatment, of ‘b’ upon the application of P.p. and F.v. extract, and AMF + P.p. and AMF + F.v. The later planting time led to significantly higher values of the antioxidant parameters, as did the application of the P.p. extract and P.p. + AMF. CAT activity was more intense corresponding to the later tomato crop cycle, P.p. extract, and AMF + P.p. Overall, our study highlights the potential of biostimulants, particularly brown algae extracts and their combination with AMF, to improve tomato yield, antioxidant properties, and biochemical activities. Full article

The enhancement of the plant seed yield and quality represents the basis of the successful productivity of the deriving crop. The effect of single and combined foliar treatments of lettuce plants with sodium selenate and garlic bulb extract on seed yield and quality and on mature plant biochemical characteristics was investigated using four lettuce cultivars (Bouquet, Picnic, Moskovsky parnikovy and Cavalier). The seed production of plants treated with Se increased by 20–41%, compared to the untreated control plants, while the augmentation was as much as 10–23% and 17–27% under garlic extract and the joint application of Se and garlic, respectively. Garlic extract stimulated the accumulation of Se in lettuce seeds, which rose by 1.21–1.29 times compared to the Se-treated plants. The proline levels in lettuce seeds exceeded the corresponding values recorded in the control ones by 1.32–1.64 times in the case of the Se supply, 1.10–1.47 times upon garlic extract application and 1.09–1.31 times under the combined Se/garlic treatment. All the treatments given to lettuce plants increased the leaf weight by 1.10–1.30 times, compared to the untreated control. The seed Se levels positively correlated with the leaf weight (r = 0.621; p < 0.005), chlorophyll (r = 0.672, p < 0.002) and total antioxidant activity (AOA; r = 0.730, p < 0.001) of plants grown from these seeds. Positive correlations were also recorded between the seed proline content and lettuce plant leaf weight, chlorophyll and AOA (r = 0.868, 0.811 and 0.815, respectively, at p < 0.001). Lettuce yield was positively correlated with the leaf AOA, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (r = 0.942, 0.921 and 0.665, respectively, at p < 0.001). The results indicate high prospects of Na₂SeO₄ and garlic extract application to seed-addressed lettuce plants, to improve seed productivity and quality, as well as lettuce yield and quality. Full article

The continuous development of drinking water networks is leading to the production of increasing amounts of waste water and sewage sludge. Secondary-treated sewage sludge is called biosolids and can be used as fertilizers in agriculture due to its rich nutrient content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biosolids mixed with an eroded soil on the morphology, physiology and synthesis of bioactive compounds in basil. The study was performed in pots under laboratory-controlled conditions. In total, four substrates were tested: S1 biosolids 100%, S2 biosolids 15% + eroded soil 85%, S3 eroded soil 100% and S4 control (commercial growing substrate). At the morphological level, a significant increase in plant height, number of branches, fresh biomass and dry biomass was found in the S2 variant. At the physiological level, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content did not vary significantly, but the quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) was significantly higher at S1 and S2. The oxidative status evaluated by determining the activity of SOD, POD and CAT enzymes was better in S2 and S3 compared to S3. Regarding the synthesis of bioactive compounds (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid), it was stimulated in S1 and S2. In conclusion, biosolids application stimulated the stress response mechanisms in basil plants by increasing the quantum yield chlorophyll fluorescence and catalase activity, alleviating the negative effects of eroded soil. Full article

Environmental pollution with heavy metals has become a problem of major interest due to the harmful effects of metal ions that constantly evolve and generate serious threats to both the environment and human health through the food chain. Recognizing the imperative need for toxicological assessments, this study revolves around elucidating the effects of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions on three plant species; namely, Medicago sativa L., Triticum aestivum L., and Zea mays L. These particular species were selected due to their suitability for controlled laboratory cultivation, their potential resistance to heavy metal exposure, and their potential contributions to phytoremediation strategies. The comprehensive phytotoxicity assessments conducted covered a spectrum of critical parameters, encompassing germination inhibition, seedling development, and broader considerations regarding ecosystem health. The key metrics under scrutiny included the germination rate, the relative growth of root and stem lengths, the growth inhibition index, and the tolerance index. These accurately designed experiments involved subjecting the seeds of these plants to an array of concentrations of PbCl₂ and CuCl₂ solutions, enabling an exhaustive evaluation of the phytotoxic potential of these metal ions and their intricate repercussions on these plant species. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the diverse and dynamic responses of different plant species to Pb(II) and Cu(II) metal ions, shedding light on their adaptability and resilience in metal-contaminated environments. These findings have important implications for understanding plant–metal interactions and devising phytoremediation strategies in contaminated ecosystems. Full article

The impact of heavy metal presence in soil on cereal crops is a growing concern, posing significant challenges to global food security and environmental sustainability. Cereal crops, vital sources of nutrition, face the risk of contamination with toxic heavy metals released into the environment through human activities. This paper explores key aspects requiring thorough investigation to foster innovation and understand intricate interactions between heavy metals and cereals. Visible symptoms and physiological changes resulting from heavy metal contamination, such as chlorosis and stunted growth, demand further research to devise targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices. Root barrier formation, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and metal-binding proteins emerge as critical defence mechanisms for combating heavy metal stress, offering opportunities for developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties. Research on metal bioavailability and food safety implications in cereal grains is vital to safeguard human health. This paper reveals that multidisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technologies are essential for promoting innovation beyond the state of the art in elucidating and mitigating the impacts of heavy metals on cereal crops. Genetic and breeding approaches show promise in developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties, while agronomic practices and soil amendments can reduce metal bioavailability and toxicity. Unravelling the complex mechanisms underlying heavy metal uptake and tolerance is essential for sustainable cereal agriculture and worldwide food sustainability. Embracing the challenges of heavy metal pollution through proactive research and collaboration can secure a resilient future for cereal crops amid evolving environmental conditions. Full article

Natural reserves play a fundamental role in maintaining flora and fauna biodiversity, but the biochemical characteristics of such ecosystems have been studied in an extremely fragmentary way. For the first time, mineral composition and antioxidant status of three systematic groups of organisms, lichens (Diplischistes ocellatus), mushrooms (Calvatia candida and Battarrea phalloides) and wormwood (Artemisia lerchiana) have been described at the territory of Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve (Astrakhan region, Russia), characterized by high salinity and solar radiation, and water deficiency. Through ICP-MS, it was determined that scale lichen D. ocellatus accumulated up to 10–15% Ca, 0.5% Fe, 15 mg kg⁻¹ d.w. iodine (I), 54.5 mg kg⁻¹ Cr. Battarrea phalloides demonstrated anomalously high concentrations of B, Cu, Fe, Mn Se, Zn, Sr and low Na levels, contrary to Calvatia candida mushrooms accumulating up to 10,850 mg kg⁻¹ Na and only 3 mg kg⁻¹ Sr. The peculiarity of A. lerchiana plants was the high accumulation of B (22.23 mg kg⁻¹ d.w.), Mn (57.48 mg kg⁻¹ d.w.), and antioxidants (total antioxidant activity: 68.6 mg GAE g⁻¹ d.w.; polyphenols: 21.0 mg GAE g⁻¹ d.w.; and proline: 5.45 mg g⁻¹ d.w.). Diploschistes ocellatus and Calvatia candida demonstrated the lowest antioxidant status: 3.6–3.8 mg GAE g⁻¹ d.w. total antioxidant activity, 1.73–2.10 mg GAE g⁻¹ d.w. polyphenols and 2.0–5.3 mg g⁻¹ d.w. proline. Overall, according to the elemental analysis of lichen from Baskunchak Nature Reserve compared to the Southern Crimean seashore, the vicinity of Baskunchak Salty Lake elicited increased environmental levels of Cr, Si, Li, Fe, Co, Ni and Ca. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of raised beds on crop production and quality in home gardens. The crops were grown using optimal management techniques and crop rotation principles based on organic farming. Three experimental versions were compared: V₁ with 40-centimetre-high raised beds, V₂ with 20-centimetre-high raised beds, and V₃ with ground-level beds as the control. The results showed consistent dry weight and moisture content across all three versions for most vegetable varieties. The sweet pepper ‘Barbara’ stood out significantly, as V₃ had the highest dry weight percentage (10.28%) and V₂ had the highest moisture content percentage (93.40%). Nutrient analysis revealed no significant differences in lipid, ash, protein, nitrogen, or caloric value among the different versions of most vegetables. However, version V₃ of the tomato ‘Tigerella’ showed the highest crude fibre content. Variations were observed in lycopene, ß-carotene, and calcium content among different versions of specific vegetables. Anti-nutritive compounds and average yield varied among the experimental versions for certain plant species. These findings have implications for dietary choices and can guide sustainable food production. It is recommended to consider raised beds, particularly V₃, for cultivating sweet pepper ‘Barbara’, and further research is encouraged to explore the potential health benefits of version V₃ of tomato ‘Tigerella’. These insights provide valuable vegetable science and nutrition information and can guide agricultural practices. Full article

Tomato is considered the most important vegetable crop worldwide. Improving the nutritional value of fruits must be based on sustainable production in terms of varieties and fertilization management. This study aimed to improve the nutritional value (total soluble solids, acidity, lycopene, β-carotene, polyphenols, macro and microelements) of two tomato varieties (‘Cristal’ and ‘Siriana’) under three fertilization types (NPK chemical fertilizer, chicken manure and biological fertilizer with microorganisms) for the greenhouse. Primary metabolism compounds do not vary significantly according to the type of fertilizer used. The results for the antioxidant compounds showed a better effect of biological fertilization compared to chemical fertilizer and control unfertilized. Thus, the antioxidant activity was improved by 28% compared to chemical fertilization, the lycopene content by 36% and β-carotene by 96%, respectively. The tomato fruits from the local cultivar (‘Siriana’) are richer in nutritional compounds such as rutin, regardless of the type of fertilization, which denotes a good ability to adapt to crop conditions. Tomato cultivars reacted positively to microbiological fertilization compared to chemical, thus producing nutritious fruits under sustainable management. Tomato fruits were richer in the quality of microelement contents. Full article

Non-thermal plasma-activated water (PAW) is used in agriculture to decontaminate the seed/grains surface, with possible positive effects on physiological processes. In the present study, PAW was generated in ambient air at atmospheric pressure in eight variants with pH and different doses of reactive species (H₂O₂, NO₃⁻). We explored the indirect effect of PAW on wheat grains while focusing on genetic material by cytogenetic monitoring. All PAW variants caused clastogenic and aneugenic events of the genetic material, with different intensities, in a dose-dependent manner of reactive species in plasma composition. PAW with the highest doses of H₂O₂ (13–22 mg/L) and NO₃⁻ (49–68 mg/L) at pH 3.8–4.1 decreased the mitotic index the most and induced the most frequent genetic abnormalities, out of which chromosomal bridges and micronuclei were dominant. In correlation with this damage at the nucleus level, the germination rate and root and shoot length of wheat sprouts decreased significantly only in the variants with the highest doses of reactive species. PAW with the lowest doses of H₂O₂ (1–5 mg/L) and NO₃⁻ (8–15 mg/L) at pH 5.5–5.1 induced a much lower cytogenotoxic potential, maintained a germination rate comparable to the control and even significantly stimulated root and shoot length growth. Thus, the effects of PAW depend highly on the dose of reactive species and on pH. Full article

With incidence of antimicrobial resistance rising globally, there is a continuous need for development of new antimicrobial molecules. Phenolic compounds having a versatile scaffold that allows for a broad range of chemical additions; they also exhibit potent antimicrobial activities which can be enhanced significantly through functionalization. Synthetic routes such as esterification, phosphorylation, hydroxylation or enzymatic conjugation may increase the antimicrobial activity of compounds and reduce minimal concentrations needed. With potent action mechanisms interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, DNA replication or enzyme production, phenolics can target multiple sites in bacteria, leading to a much higher sensitivity of cells towards these natural compounds. The current review summarizes some of the most important knowledge on functionalization of natural phenolic compounds and the effects on their antimicrobial activity. Full article