Basis for the new challenges of growing broccoli for health in hydroponics

BACKGROUND: Variations in the contents of phytochemicals with biological activity in broccoli could originate as a result of genetic and environmental factors. An understanding of the effects of growth conditions on the bioactive compounds in broccoli is essential for improving its quality and nutri...

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Published in:Journal of the science of food and agriculture 2008-06, Vol.88 (8), p.1472-1481
Main Authors: Moreno, Diego A, López-Berenguer, Carmen, Martínez-Ballesta, M. Carmen, Carvajal, Micaela, García-Viguera, Cristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
antioxidants
ascorbic acid
Biological and medical sciences
Brassica oleracea var. italica
broccoli
chitosan
coumaric acids
flavonoids
foliar spraying
food composition
Food industries
Food science
Fruit and vegetable industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
glucosinolates
hydroponics
hydroxycinnamic acids
methionine
phenolic compounds
Phytochemicals
Plant growth
plant stress
salt stress
Sodium
soilless culture
tryptophan
vegetable growing
Vegetables
Vitamin C
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Summary:BACKGROUND: Variations in the contents of phytochemicals with biological activity in broccoli could originate as a result of genetic and environmental factors. An understanding of the effects of growth conditions on the bioactive compounds in broccoli is essential for improving its quality and nutritive value. Using salinity (40 mmol L⁻¹ NaCl), and foliar sprayed compounds (methionine, tryptophan and chitosan) as different stress conditions, broccoli developed in soilless culture in the greenhouse was analysed for biologically active phytochemicals (glucosinolates, caffeoyl-quinic, ferulic and sinapic derivatives and vitamin C).RESULTS: The application of elicitors during head formation could be beneficial for the enrichment in phytochemicals in broccoli. Management practices for increasing a given phytochemical (e.g., glucoraphanin or glucobrassicin) may be related to a decreased level of natural antioxidants (hydroxycinnamic acids). Growing broccoli hydroponically in the greenhouse in winter (Mediterranean climate) needs the supporting treatment of abiotic stress during development (i.e., NaCl, elicitors).CONCLUSION: The use of hydroponic growth conditions for broccoli and the application of stress factors (elicitors) at head induction and during development may serve the purpose of enhancing its nutritional quality to deliver a health-promoting food. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
ISSN:0022-5142
1097-0010
DOI:10.1002/jsfa.3244