Search Results (202)

Lobo radish yield and quality depend heavily on summer sowing dates. A three-year field trial (2022–2024) in the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine evaluated four sowing dates–D1 (first decade of July), D2 (second decade of July), D3 (third decade of July), and D4 (first decade of August)–for cultivars Troiandova and Lebidka. Sowing in late July (D3) was optimal, securing maximum marketable yield (42.2 t·ha⁻¹ for Troiandova, 38.9 t·ha⁻¹ for Lebidka), peak marketability (70.5–72.0%), and minimal bolting (2.1–2.8%). Early sowing dates (D1–D2) increased bolting (up to 20.0%) and pest damage by cabbage root fly (Delia radicum L., 25.1–27.3%), reducing marketability to 45.4–52.0%. August sowing (D4) reduced root weight (204.6–224.3 g) but increased dry matter (8.6–9.8%) and soluble sugars (4.8–5.5%). AMMI and GGE biplots revealed higher yield stability for cultivar Lebidka (notably at D4), whereas Troiandova was highly responsive to optimal conditions (Troy-D3). Overall, sowing in the third decade of July (D3) is recommended for commercial production. Full article

Quorum sensing (QS) is critically involved in mediating microbial interactions and serves as a central regulatory mechanism in bacterial pathogenesis. As an emerging countermeasure, quorum quenching (QQ) suppresses QS-regulated virulence through enzymatic or chemical disruption of signal systems. N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), an evolutionarily conserved QS signal, coordinates the pathogenicity of multiple plant pathogens, particularly Dickeya zeae, which causes soft rot disease in various crops and leads to substantial agricultural losses. In this study, the QQ strain Acinetobacter schindleri XJ-10 was evaluated for its capacity to degrade AHL and attenuate the pathogenicity of D. zeae EC1 in host plants. Notably, strain XJ-10 exhibited efficient AHL degradation at 0.2 mmol/L within 24 h, achieving a degradation efficiency of 98.80%. Subsequently, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone and propanamide as key intermediates during AHL degradation, confirming complete mineralization to CO₂ and H₂O. Based on the structural characterization of AHL and its intermediates, the metabolic pathway within strain XJ-10 was proposed. The degradation pathway initiates with the hydrolysis of the ester ring of N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, generating N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine. Subsequent carbon–nitrogen bond scission is predicted to yield N-cyclohexyl-propanamide, which is further catabolized to produce hexanamide and propanamide. Furthermore, strain XJ-10 exhibited biocontrol activity against soft rot disease affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum), radish (Raphanus sativus), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), as its crude enzyme extract effectively reduced disease incidence and severity in planta. While strain XJ-10 showed no detectable acylase activity, it exhibited significant degradation activity against AHL, suggesting a distinct QQ mechanism. Collectively, these findings broaden the scope of QQ-based biocontrol strategies and enhance mechanistic insights into managing bacterial diseases through QS modulation. Full article

The valorization of medicinal and aromatic plant by-products represents a sustainable strategy to recover bioactive compounds and reduce agricultural waste. In this study, pruning residues of Laurus nobilis L. and Myrtus communis L. were investigated as sources of essential oils (EOs) for bio-based weed management. Leaves and young stems were subjected to anatomical, micromorphological, and histochemical analyses to ascertain that active secretory structures were maintained. EOs were then obtained by steam distillation and characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. Phytotoxicity was evaluated on two crop species, Hordeum vulgare L. and Raphanus sativus L., and two weed species, Lolium multiflorum Lam. and Sinapis alba L.; ecotoxicity was assessed using Artemia salina and Daphnia magna. The EOs were mainly composed of oxygenated monoterpenes, with 1,8-cineole as the dominant constituent in both oils. Phytotoxicity was species- and concentration-dependent, with M. communis EO showing the strongest inhibition, particularly against S. alba. Ecotoxicological assays revealed limited toxicity toward A. salina, but concentration-dependent immobilization of D. magna. Overall, these findings support the circular valorization of laurel and myrtle pruning residues as sources of bioactive EOs while highlighting the need for further formulation, selectivity, and environmental safety studies before agricultural application. Full article

Clubroot, caused by the obligate biotrophic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae (P. brassicae), is a destructive soil-borne disease that severely threatens the production of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Although chitinases are known to execute critical defense functions by degrading pathogen chitin, a comprehensive genome-wide characterization of the radish chitinase (RsChi) gene family and its specific role in clubroot resistance remains lacking. Here, we systematically identified 24 RsChi genes in the radish genome, characterizing their chromosomal distribution, structural organization, and promoter regulatory networks. These genes are unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes and cluster into four subfamilies, with tandem duplication driving family expansion, particularly on Chromosome 3. Promoter analysis revealed a significant enrichment of jasmonic acid- and abscisic acid-responsive cis-elements, implicating RsChi genes in hormone-mediated defense signaling. Using qRT-PCR to profile expression dynamics during P. brassicae infection across contrasting radish lines, we identified strong genotype- and stage-specific transcriptional responses. Notably, TRs0x1c000780 remained transcriptionally silent prior to infection but was specifically induced over 10-fold in the resistant line at 28 days post-inoculation. This infection-triggered induction positions TRs0x1c000780 as a promising candidate defense gene. Together, these findings provide structural and functional insights into the RsChi family and highlight candidate targets for breeding clubroot-resistant radish cultivars. Full article

Seed dormancy is a vital adaptive mechanism regulated by the DELAY OF GERMINATION (DOG) gene family. Here, we present the first systematic genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the DOG gene family (RsDOGs) in radish (Raphanus sativus). Comprehensive analysis of physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, and phylogeny revealed strong evolutionary conservation alongside functional divergence. Notably, several RsDOG proteins harbor natural fusions of the DOG1 domain with a bZIP domain, suggesting potential transcription factor activity and novel regulatory functions. Promoter analysis identified abundant ABA-responsive and abiotic stress-responsive cis-acting elements. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) profiling across contrasting cultivars—dormant variety Rs275 and non-dormant variety Rs100—at 4 h and 28 h post-imbibition revealed distinct differential expression patterns. In particular, TRs0x5c022182.1 exhibited high expression levels in dormant seeds, suggesting its potential involvement in seed dormancy regulation in radish. This study provides key insights into the structural evolution and expression dynamics of RsDOG genes, laying a solid foundation for molecular breeding aimed at optimizing seed germination traits. Full article

Endoreduplication is a process in which cells repeatedly undergo the S and G phases of the cell cycle without dividing, thereby increasing their ploidy level. Cells with different ploidy levels subsequently form tissues and organs, resulting in a condition called endopolyploidy. This phenomenon plays an important role in plant growth, development, and homeostasis and may also help compensate for adverse environmental conditions, representing one of the mechanisms of stress adaptation. Two radish cultivars, ‘Lada’ and ‘Ester’, were grown hydroponically and treated with 10 or 20 μM cadmium and UV-B irradiation. The level of endopolyploidization and its role in adaptation to abiotic stress were studied by flow cytometry. Stress intensity was evaluated by measuring fresh weight, assimilatory pigment content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The experimental data confirmed that cadmium exposure represents a critical limiting factor for radish growth, as manifested by a significant reduction in biomass and decreased content of photosynthetic pigments. Induced abiotic stress did not significantly alter endopolyploidization in the petioles and leaves of either cultivar. In the storage hypocotyl of ‘Ester’, the degree of endopolyploidy decreased under 20 μM cadmium treatment, whereas the storage hypocotyl of ‘Lada’ remained relatively stable. The cultivars also differed in their stress response strategies. ‘Ester’ showed higher sensitivity to cadmium stress, accompanied by elevated SOD, GPOX, and APX activity, while ‘Lada’ exhibited higher CAT activity. UV-B irradiation alone caused significant changes only in ‘Ester’, where APX, GPOX, and CAT activities increased. However, the combined effect of cadmium and UV-B was more pronounced, particularly in the chlorophyll a/b ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities in both cultivars. The results indicate that UV-B acts more as a modulator of the physiological response to cadmium than as a primary stress factor. These findings suggest that the maintenance of endopolyploidy may be associated with greater tolerance to the combined action of cadmium and UV-B stress. Full article

This study evaluated glucosinolate (GSL) composition and phenotypic traits in 72 radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus) accessions, including 69 germplasm and 3 cultivars. Seven GSLs: glucoraphanin, glucoraphenin, glucoerucin, glucoraphasatin, glucobrassicin, glucobarbarin, and glucoberteroin were quantified using UPLC (mg/kg DW). Under the evaluated conditions, accession 10 (IT203308, Russia) showed high glucobarbarin (3976.9), while 38 (IT262009, Germany) and 39 (IT262067, North Korea) accumulated glucoraphasatin above 3500. Accession 40 (IT262091, North Korea) exhibited the highest glucoraphenin (612.9), and glucoerucin was enriched in 12 (IT204244, Israel), 19 (IT215036, Republic of Korea), and 35 (IT261962, Russia). Principal component analysis identified outliers: 10 (IT203308, Russia), 12 (IT204244, Israel), 19 (IT215036, Republic of Korea), 35 (IT261962, Russia), 38 (IT262009, Germany), 40 (IT262091, North Korea), 34 (IT261948, Kyrgyzstan), and 59 (IT306725, Malaysia), separated from central accessions. Multivariate analyses indicated that GSL accumulation and phenotypic variation were not consistently associated. These findings identify high-GSL and PCA-defined outlier accessions as potential donor resources for the breeding of radish with improved glucosinolate-related nutritional quality, while demonstrating that glucosinolate profiles cannot be reliably predicted from external phenotypes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and systemic complications. Methods: In this preliminary study, the metabolic effects of BE-FD-1, a water extract of Raphanus sativus L. leaves cultivated under a mineral-fortification protocol, were investigated in a high-fat-diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of vanadium, chromium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium in radish leaf. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 5/group) were orally administered BE-FD-1 at 250 or 500 mg/kg once daily for four weeks, with metformin (250 mg/kg) as a positive reference. Results: BE-FD-1 at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the oral glucose tolerance test area under the curve and fasting blood glucose levels, significantly restored serum insulin levels, and significantly decreased serum ALT, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels relative to the HFD/STZ control group. Body weight gain and AST showed non-significant decreasing tendencies. Serum creatinine remained within the normal range, providing a preliminary safety signal that should be interpreted with caution given the absence of additional renal biomarkers and histopathological evaluation. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that BE-FD-1 may warrant further investigation as a candidate functional ingredient for T2DM-related metabolic dysfunction; however, larger studies with comprehensive phytochemical characterization, mechanistic validation, and broader safety evaluation are required. Full article

Continuous potato cropping is usually associated with a reduction in tuber yield and deterioration in crop structure, resulting in a decrease in the proportion of marketable produce. The effect of crop rotation, cultivar selection, the range of chemical plant protection, and the periodic introduction of an intercrop on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield was studied in a field experiment at the Production–Experimental Station in Bałcyny near Ostróda, belonging to the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, where potatoes have been continuously cultivated since 1973. Results from 2015 to 2023, corresponding to the 43rd–51st year of continuous potato cropping, were compared to a six-course crop rotation (potato—oat—flax—winter rye—faba bean—winter triticale). The study discusses the yield of two potato cultivars (Catania and Red Sonia) across two periods: 2015–2018 and 2019–2023. In the first period, potatoes were grown according to the general experimental design, whereas in 2019–2023, the cultivation included an additional intercrop of oil radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Rolterra In both series of studies, the experimental factors included potato cultivation without the use of plant protection products (object O) and objects with the application of herbicides (H) and herbicides and fungicides (H + F). The introduction of intercropping into continuous potato cropping was more effective than the application of pesticides and limited the scale of yield decline in relation to crop rotation. In the case of the Catania cultivar, the mean difference in yield between crop rotation and continuous cropping in the first series of tests (without intercropping) was 50.4%, and in the second series (after introducing intercropping), it decreased to 22.3%. The corresponding mean differences for the Red Sonia cultivar were 45.5% in the first series and 12.9% in the second series. Furthermore, in the second series of studies (thanks to the introduction of intercropping), the mean share of marketable yield in continuous cropping increased from 35.1% to 51.9% (for the Catania cultivar) and from 23.6% to 35.8% (for the Red Sonia cultivar). In summary, the introduction of oil radish as an intercrop was the most effective factor (more effective than the choice of potato cultivar and use of chemical crop protection products) to limit the negative aspects of long-term continuous potato cropping, improving yield, yield stability, and the share of marketable tubers. Full article

High-temperature stress severely reduces the photosynthetic efficiency of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), a cool-season crop. This study evaluated five nitrogen (N) levels {0 N, 0.5 N, 1 N (234 kg urea ha⁻¹, based on RDA), 2 N, and 4 N} through an open-field experiment under high-temperature stress conditions. Analysis of OJIP transients revealed that high temperatures severely inhibited photosynthetic capacity in the 0 N, 0.5 N, and 4 N treatment groups. These groups exhibited a simultaneous increase in K and J-steps, signifying electron transport bottlenecks and structural damage to the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Consequently, energy absorption and trapping decreased, while heat dissipation increased. In contrast, the 2 N treatment maintained superior F_m(maximum fluorescence) and energy flux, demonstrating enhanced photosynthetic resilience. However, despite improved photosynthetic stability, the 2 N group did not show a significant increase in yield compared to the 0.5 N or 1 N treatment groups. These results suggest that photosynthetic protection under heat stress does not necessarily guarantee higher yields, highlighting the need to identify optimal fertilization points for sustainable production. Overall, the findings of this study provide fundamental data for strategic nitrogen management in open-field radish cultivation to mitigate the impacts of increasing climatic instability. Full article

Prickly cucumber (Echinocystis lobata), originating from eastern North America, exhibits a range of adaptations that enable it to effectively colonize temperate and humid forest environments, among others in Europe. This study examined the allelopathic effects of E. lobata as a factor influencing its competitive interactions with other plant species. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) obtained from different organs of E. lobata on the germination of grains or seeds and the early growth of seedlings of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (monocotyledon) and Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus ‘China Rose’ (dicotyledon). Germination percentage, as well as root and shoot growth parameters, were analyzed. In addition, biochemical analyses of E. lobata organs (leaves, stalks, fruits) used in the experiment were performed. Analysis using a combined chromatographic and mass spectrometric technique identified 21 compounds, including secondary metabolites potentially associated with allelopathic activity. Petri dish assays revealed significant inhibition of the germination of grains and seeds and the growth of seedlings of both tested species, depending on the E. lobata organ and extract concentration. The strongest inhibitory effects were generally observed at concentrations of 5% and 7.5%. In conclusion, the biochemical analyses confirmed the clear primary allelopathic potential of E. lobata, which presumably may enhance its competitive ability. Full article

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an important vegetable resource in the food industry, generating substantial amounts of by-products during cultivation and distribution. Despite their richness in functional components, these by-products are largely underutilized. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in their valorization as functional food ingredients. This study evaluated the functional potential of radish by-products removed prior to distribution by applying cellulase pretreatment and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation individually or in combination. Radish samples were separated into leaf blade, stem, and taproot tissues and processed as untreated control, enzyme-treated, fermented, and enzyme-treated and fermented (EF) groups. The EF treatment significantly increased reducing sugar content, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids across all tissues, with the most pronounced enhancement observed in leaf by-products. In antioxidant assays, EF samples showed decreased IC₅₀ values in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and increased FRAP values, indicating superior antioxidant capacity. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, EF-treated leaf extracts effectively suppressed nitric oxide and intracellular ROS production without cytotoxicity and exhibited the highest GSH/GSSG ratio, suggesting improved cellular redox balance. In contrast, interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion varied depending on tissue type and processing condition, indicating that antioxidant enhancement does not necessarily correspond to uniform cytokine regulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that enzymatic pretreatment combined with lactic acid fermentation serves as an effective strategy to enhance the antioxidant and cell-protective properties of radish by-products, supporting their potential use as value-added functional food ingredients. Full article

The management of Pig Slurry (PS) and Wine Vinasse (WV) poses major environmental and economic challenges, Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) offers a promising approach, producing both renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestates with agronomic potential. This study evaluated digestates obtained from the AcoD of a 50:50 mixture of pig slurry and wine vinasse under Temperature-Phased Anaerobic Digestion (TPAD) conditions. The acidogenic reactor reached stability at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 5 days, achieving 51.34 ± 3.08% of tCOD removal and approximately 0.5 L of daily green hydrogen production, whereas the methanogenic stage reached stability at an HRT of 10 days with 89.14 ± 2.33% tCOD removal and recording daily biomethane production of up to 1 L. Digestates were tested in germination assays using Lepidium sativum (garden cress), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and Raphanus sativus (radish) seeds to assess phytotoxicity, and pathogen analyses were conducted to confirm sanitary safety (contains 0.8 × 10³ MPN/gTS E. coli). Results showed that agronomic performance was primarily influenced by dilution level, at 10D–15D% dilutions, germination and root growth remained stable, with Germination Index (GI) values above 80%. In contrast, concentrations above 25D% led to marked inhibition, with GI values below 50%. These findings demonstrate that the TPAD system operates effectively when treating pig slurry and winery vinasse, producing digestates that are safe and effective organic amendments. Moreover, given their compliance with sanitary standards, these digestates can be classified as Class A biosolids suitable for agricultural application, provided that adequate dilution is ensured. Full article

In recent years, microplastics (MPs) pollution in agricultural soils has increased markedly, largely due to the improper management of plastic mulch films used to improve crop growing conditions. In this context, the present study evaluated the use of biochar (BC) as a soil amendment for mulch-derived MPs-contaminated soils in a radish (Raphanus sativus L.) crop under greenhouse conditions. A pot experiment was established in soils contaminated with MPs (0.5% w/w) and amended with four BC rates (w/w): 0% (Control), 1% (BC1), 3% (BC3), and 5% (BC5). Soil physicochemical indicators were assessed, together with germination, leaf, and radish bulb growth parameters. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions until the radishes reached commercial maturity. Most of the soil’s physicochemical indicators, such as hydrogen potential (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), water holding capacity (WHC), total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (N–NH₄⁺) and nitrates (N–NO₃⁻), showed significant differences between treatments (p < 0.05), with the exception of the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), which did not vary significantly (p ≥ 0.05). No significant differences were observed among treatments (p ≥ 0.05) for germination indicators. For leaf traits, dry biomass was significantly lower in BC1 than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). For radish bulb traits, fresh weight was significantly higher in BC3 (p < 0.05) compared with the other treatments. Similarly, total plant fresh weight showed significant differences among treatments, with BC3 exhibiting the highest value (p < 0.05). Overall, the BC3 treatment provided the greatest improvement in radish development in MPs-contaminated soil. However, further research involving different types of MPs, BCs, or other crop species is needed to more comprehensively assess the impact of BC on agricultural soils contaminated with MPs. Full article

Radish leaves are a nutrient-rich yet underutilized byproduct containing abundant fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals; however, their quality is highly affected by drying methods. This study systematically investigated the effects of three drying methods—hot-air drying (HD), microwave drying (MD), and freeze-vacuum drying (FD)—on the nutritional components, bioactive substances, and volatile compounds of radish leaves. A comparative analysis was conducted on their proximate composition, amino acid profiles, mineral contents, antioxidant capacities, glucosinolate profiles, and volatile profiles. Among the three methods, FD exhibited superior preservation of proteins, lipids, minerals (K, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Mn), and bioactive components, including polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, and vitamin C. In contrast, HD and MD led to significant reductions in these nutrients and bioactive compounds. A total of 33 glucosinolates and 779 volatile compounds, including 164 odor-active compounds, were identified collectively across the three treatments. The FD-treated samples exhibited distinct glucosinolate and volatile profiles, whereas HD- and MD-treated samples showed greater similarity. Multivariate analysis further revealed 12 key differential glucosinolates and 27 differential odor-active compounds among the three groups. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing drying strategies to improve the nutritional quality and flavor characteristics of processed radish leaves. Full article