Abstract
The potential role of NaCl (50–200 mM) as an eustressor for the accumulation of health promoting phytochemicals and maintaining the homeostasis of macro- and micro-elements in three, hydroponically grown Brassica leafy vegetables (Chinese cabbage, white cabbage, and kale) was investigated. Considering K+/Na+ ratio and proline contents as reliable stress markers, we confirmed more prominent stress status in Chinese cabbage followed by white cabbage and kale. Low to moderate salinity treatments (50 and 100 mM NaCl) caused an increase in most of the phenolic compounds in the analyzed Brassica leafy vegetables. Total glucosinolates were elicited by NaCl in a dose dependent manner. Salt treatment caused an increase in total chlorophylls but did not significantly affect carotenoid content. Furthermore, low to moderate treatments did not significantly disturb homeostasis of macro- and micro-elements, particularly in white cabbage and kale where the K level did not decrease significantly and Ca was even increased in white cabbage. We may conclude that salinity may elicit phytochemical accumulation in selecting vegetables grown on saline soils without undesirable disturbance in macro- and micro-elements homeostasis depending on salt concentration and species/varieties. This information may be of great importance in the selection of crops grown on saline soils.
Highlights
In recent years, plant based food, in addition to providing basic nutrients, have become popular due to the presence of health promoting compounds, which may prevent or reduce symptoms of several chronic diseases
Statistical analysis was performed among three Brassica leafy vegetables, separately for leaves and roots
It was shown that the K+ /Na+ ratio was the highest in the leaves and roots of Chinese cabbage compared to white cabbage and kale
Summary
Plant based food, in addition to providing basic nutrients, have become popular due to the presence of health promoting compounds, which may prevent or reduce symptoms of several chronic diseases. There are two strategies in producing crops with increased desirable compounds: one is by selecting species/genotypes/cultivars that contain a genetically determined higher level of phytochemicals, and the second is by manipulating growth factors and environmental conditions during plant growth [1]. During unfavorable environmental conditions that may be caused by biotic (pathogen attacks) or abiotic (drought, salinity, temperature, exposure to UV radiation) stressors, plants activate defense mechanisms, which include the accumulation of specialized metabolites or phytochemicals [2,3,4]. Physical, or chemical stressful factors that trigger the signaling pathways leading to a higher bioactive compound content and quality attributes of plant products are known as eustressors [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
