Production, Leaf Quality and Antioxidants of Perennial Wall Rocket as Affected by Crop Cycle and Mulching Type

The plastic mulch has raised a disposal issue, which has been diverting the research focus on biodegradable film as an alternative. Research was carried out in southern Italy in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 in order to assess the effects of three crop cycles (autumn-winter, winter, spring) in factorial c...

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Published in:Agronomy (Basel) 2019-04, Vol.9 (4), p.194
Main Authors: Caruso, Gianluca, Stoleru, Vasile, De Pascale, Stefania, Cozzolino, Eugenio, Pannico, Antonio, Giordano, Maria, Teliban, Gabriel, Cuciniello, Antonio, Rouphael, Youssef
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
antioxidant activity
Antioxidants
arugula
ascorbic acid
Autumn
Biodegradability
biodegradable film
Biodegradation
Crop yield
Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C
Farms
Leaves
Low density polyethylenes
Mulching
Organic acids
Plant growth
Polyethylene
Polyethylene films
Polymers
polyphenols
production
Soil analysis
Soil temperature
Spring
Spring (season)
Sustainable production
Winter
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Summary:The plastic mulch has raised a disposal issue, which has been diverting the research focus on biodegradable film as an alternative. Research was carried out in southern Italy in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 in order to assess the effects of three crop cycles (autumn-winter, winter, spring) in factorial combination with three soil mulching types (a MaterBi biodegradable black film; a brown photoselective low density polyethylene (LDPE) film; a black-standard LDPE film) and a non-mulched control, on leaves yield, quality and antioxidants of greenhouse grown Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) D.C. The spring cycle was the shortest and best enhanced plant growth and yield. The non-mulched control caused an 11% yield reduction compared to the mulching treatments average (12.4 t ha−1). The soil temperature was highest under photoselective and standard LDPE films. The Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index was 17.4% higher in the leaves grown in mulched soil. Winter season and biodegradable mulch led to higher leaf dry residue and organic acids. Leaf nitrate content was highest in winter and under mulching. The spring cycle, the biodegradable and photoselective LDPE film resulted in the highest antioxidant compound content and activity. The biodegradable polymer improved leaf quality, showing suitable features for sustainable production.
ISSN:2073-4395
2073-4395
DOI:10.3390/agronomy9040194