Cabbage Research Articles

Sustainable Energy Practices in Cabbage Production in Niğde Province of Türkiye

Examining the inputs to agricultural production and analyzing their energy implications is a crucial method for assessing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. The agricultural industry utilizes energy in diverse ways, both directly and indirectly, encompassing pesticides, electricity, fertilizers, farm equipment, irrigation systems, fuel, and human labor. This research focused on assessing the agricultural inputs utilized in cabbage cultivation within one of the most cabbage cultivated area in Türkiye, gathering data on these inputs, and identifying the energy efficiency associated with this production process. In the study, information on the overall energy inputs was gathered from numerous white cabbage producers in the Niğde province using the face-to-face survey method, a quantitative research approach. According to the results of the research, the total energy input equivalent in cabbage production was determined as 4407.87 MJ da-1 and the total output value was determined as 6348.60 MJ da-1. The energy productivity was determined as 1.20 and the energy balance as 1940.73 MJ da-1. According to the findings, with 33.4% of diesel oil, 23.81% of fertilizer, and 23.06% of machinery make up the majority of this production's inputs. Also, 89.19% of the total energy inputs in cabbage production determined as non-renewable and 10.79% of them as renewable energy inputs. In conclusion, the inputs are efficiently utilized in cabbage production within the Niğde province of Türkiye.

Predicting herb-disease associations using network-based measures in human protein interactome

BackgroundNatural herbs are frequently used to treat diseases or to relieve symptoms in many countries. Moreover, as their safety has been proven for a long time, they are considered as main sources of new drug development. However, in many cases, the herbs are still prescribed relying on ancient records and/or traditional practices without scientific evidences. More importantly, the medicinal efficacy of the herbs has to be evaluated in the perspective of MCMT (multi-compound multi-target) effects, but most efforts focus on identifying and analyzing a single compound experimentally. To overcome these hurdles, computational approaches which are based on the scientific evidences and are able to handle the MCMT effects are needed to predict the herb-disease associations.ResultsIn this study, we proposed a network-based in silico method to predict the herb-disease associations. To this end, we devised a new network-based measure, WACP (weighted average closest path length), which not only quantifies proximity between herb-related genes and disease-related genes but also considers compound compositions of each herb. As a result, we confirmed that our method successfully predicts the herb-disease associations in the human protein interactome (AUROC = 0.777). In addition, we observed that our method is superior than the other simple network-based proximity measures (e.g. average shortest and closest path length). Additionally, we analyzed the associations between Brassica oleracea var. italica and its known associated diseases more specifically as case studies. Finally, based on the prediction results of the WACP, we suggested novel herb-disease pairs which are expected to have potential relations and their literature evidences.ConclusionsThis method could be a promising solution to modernize the use of the natural herbs by providing the scientific evidences about the molecular associations between the herb-related genes targeted by multiple compounds and the disease-related genes in the human protein interactome.

Identification of Knowledge and Technologies for Postharvest Use of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and Its By-products: A Scientometric Analysis

Using crop by-products has become a key line of research in the current circular economy and bioeconomy scenario, specifically for extracting bioactive compounds of interest in designing and developing value-added products for food, cosmetics, health, biofuels, and animal feed industries. In Colombia, harvest and postharvest residues and crop surpluses have been underutilized as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Thus, the objective of this research is to analyze research insights and technologies used to take advantage of by-products from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation through a methodological design that combines scientific intelligence, surveillance technology, and scientometric analysis methods and tools. We identified the current lines of research in postharvest and processing and the respective technologies in the topics of senescence, packaging and transport, shelf life, quality, drying process, and by-products, as well as research insights and technologies in health, integrated crop management, and genetics. Furthermore, the scarcity of research results on broccoli by-products and their use is highlighted, showing an opportunity to strengthen research on this topic. Finally, the challenges and future work for research on the exploitation of broccoli by-products are established based on the use of their bioactive compounds in value-added products.

Integration of down-flow hanging sponge reactor to oreochromis niloticus − Brassica oleracea aquaponics system

Aquaponics is a promising solution for addressing food security concerns. Nonetheless, an effective water-purification system is necessary to achieve high and stable yields of fish and vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the nitrification and oxygen transfer performance of a laboratory-scale down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor with a Brassica oleracea aquaponics system to treat water in an Oreochromis niloticus closed-aquaculture system. The DHS reactor showed a higher oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) than the conventional aerator and provided an adequate dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of approximately 5.5 mg/L essential for O. niloticus growth throughout the experimental period. The evaluated DHS-based aquaponic system maintained high water quality in an aquaculture tank, with a survival rate of 97%. The O. niloticusgrew at a low feed conversion ratio of 1.5–2.1 and a low feeding rate of 0.5% at high stocking densities of 17.5–22.2 kg-fish-weight/m3. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the DHS sponge carrier effectively retained nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira. This study demonstrated that the DHS reactor provided a high DO concentration and that a simultaneous DHS reactor with a hydroponic tank provided a low-cost aquaponic system that could be applied for food production in the aquaculture industry.

Ecotoxicity and in vitro safety profile of the eco-friendly silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

This study investigated the ecotoxicity and in vitro safety profile of novel metallic nanoparticles (silver and titanium dioxide) prepared from Aloe vera extract by biosynthesis method, evaluating the acute toxicity and bioaccumulation in soil. Samples were analyzed for phytotoxicity against Lactuca sativa, Cucumis sativus and Brassica oleracea, soil toxicity (ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg mL−1) and biocompatibility by MTT (in VERO and L929 cells ranging from 12.5 to 100 µg mL−1). Phytotoxicity assays showed that for Lactuca sativa seeds, all nanoparticles showed toxicity for all tested concentrations (12.5–100 mg mL−1), while for Cucumis sativus seeds TiO2-NPs in concentrations of 12.5, 50 and 100 mg mL−1 and AgNPs in concentrations of 25 and 100 mg mL−1. For Brassica oleracea, the TiO2-NPs (100 mg mL−1), Ag/TiNPs (12.5 and 100 mg mL−1) and AgNPs (12.5 and 100 mg mL−1) demonstrated toxicity. For cytotoxicity assays, AgNPs and Ag/TiNPs showed a decrease in the cell viability for the two strains tested (99–50.7 % for VERO and 99–45.3 % for L929). Therefore, the results will contribute to understanding the main parameters of phytotoxicity, bioavailability and biocompatibility of separate metallic nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs and AgNPs) and combined (Ag/TiNPs).

Effects of vermicompost as an alternative substrate on yield and quality of cauliflower and pepper seedlings

It is wondered whether vermicompost can be an alternative to peat in seedling production. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of different vermicompost rates on the growth, quality characteristics and macro and micro mineral concentrations of pepper and cauliflower seedlings. There were 4 treatments consisting of different mixtures in the study. T1: 70% peat + 27% perlite + 3% vermiculite; T2: 70% vermicompost + 27% perlite + 3% vermiculite; T3: 35% peat + 35% vermicompost + 27% perlite + 3% vermiculite; T4: 100% vermicompost. ‘Sivrillo’ F1 (Capsicum annuum var. longum) pepper and ‘Casper’ F1 (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis) cauliflower varieties were used as the plant material. Vermicompost mixtures had a significant impact on pepper and cauliflower seedlings. The emergence and growth characteristics of pepper seedlings were similar in T1, T2 and T3 treatments. However, the T3 mixture provided the highest emergence rate and seedling height in cauliflower seedlings. T3 also increased the leaf area both pepper and cauliflower seedlings more than the other treatments. Although T2 medium showed the highest N, K, and Mg contents in pepper seedlings, vermicompost mixtures had the highest P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in cauliflower. Vermicompost mixtures had higher microelement contents in cauliflower, whereas similar results were obtained from T2 and T1 treatments in pepper seedlings. In conclusion, it was determined that the 35% peat and 35% vermicompost mixture was appropriate for pepper and cauliflower seedlings in terms of many criteria. Additionally, noteworthy results were obtained when 70% peat was substituted with vermicompost.

Effect of Nano and non-Nano NPK Fertilizers on growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) Grown under Covered and Un Covered Conditions.

Effect of Nano and non-Nano NPK Fertilizers on growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) Grown under Covered and Un Covered Conditions.

Accumulation and translocation of lead in vegetables through intensive use of organic manure and mineral fertilizers with wastewater

In many countries with wastewater irrigation and intensive use of fertilizers (minerals and organics), heavy metal deposition by crops is regarded as a major environmental concern. A study was conducted to determine the impact of mineral fertilizers, cow manure, poultry manure, leaf litter, and sugarcane bagasse on soil’s trace Pb content and edible parts of vegetables. It also evaluated the risk of lead (Pb) contamination in water, soil, and food crops. Six vegetables (Daucus carota, Brassica oleracea, Pisum sativum, Solanum tuberosum, Raphanus sativus, and Spinacia oleracea) were grown in the field under twelve treatments with different nutrient and water inputs. The lead concentrations in soil, vegetables for all treatments and water samples ranged from 1.038–10.478, 0.09346–9.0639 mg/kg and 0.036–0.26448 mg/L, The concentration of lead in soil treated with wastewater in treatment (T6) and vegetable samples was significantly higher, exceeding the WHO’s permitted limit. Mineral and organic fertilizers combined with wastewater treatment reduced lead (Pb) concentrations in vegetables compared to wastewater application without organic fertilizers. Health risk indexes for all treatments except wastewater treatment (T6) were less than one. Pb concentrations in mineral fertilizers, cow manure, poultry manure, leaf litter, and sugarcane bagasse treated were determined to pose no possible risk to consumers.

Influence of Different Rates of Nitrogen and Sulfur on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.)

The field experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, during rabi season on the sandy loam soils to study the influence of different rates of nitrogen and sulfur on growth and yield attributes of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.). The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) consisting of eight treatments and three replications viz. (N1: 0 kg N per ha, N2: 100 kg N per ha, N3: 125 kg N per ha, N4: 150 kg N per ha, S1: 0 kg S per ha, S2: 30 kg S per ha, S3: 60 kg S per ha and S4: 90 kg S per ha). The different growth and yield attributes viz. plant height (cm), number of unfolded leaves per plant, diameter of cabbage head (cm), weight of cabbage head (kg) and yield of cabbage (t/ha) were recorded at different growth stages and at the time of harvesting. The results revealed that the application of 150 kg nitrogen and 90 kg sulfur per hectare gave the maximum values in all the growth and yield attributes compared to all the other treatments as well as control.

Development of a rapid and efficient system for CR genes identification based on hairy root transformation in Brassicaceae

Many economically important crops and vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family are heavily endangered by clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae infection. Breeding of clubroot resistant cultivars based on mapping and cloning of resistant genes is commonly regarded as the most cost-effective and efficient way to fight against this disease. The traditional way of R gene functional validation requires stable transformation that is both time- and labor-consuming. In this study, a rapid and efficient hairy-root transgenic protocol mediated by Agrobacterium rhizogenes was developed. The transformation positive rate was over 80% in Brassica napus showed by GUS reporter gene and this transformation only took 1/6 of the time compared with stable transformation. The system was applicable to different B. napus varieties and other cruciferous crops including Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea. In particular, two known CR genes, CRA3.7.1 and CRA8.2.4 were used respectively, as example to show that the system works well for CR gene study combined with subsequent P. brassicae infection in B. napus. Most importantly, it works both in over-expression that led to disease resistance, as well as in RNAi which led to disease susceptible phenotype. Therefore, this system can be used in batch-wise identification of CR genes, and also offered the possibility of manipulating key genes within the P. brassicae genome that could improve our knowledge on host–pathogen interaction.

Characterization of selenium-containing broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica planch) proteins and evaluation of antioxidant activity by electron spin resonance

Selenoproteins found in selenium (Se)-enriched vegetables play a vital role in maintaining human health. In this study, four Se-containing broccoli proteins (Se-BP: albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin) were continuous extracted by Osborne method. Three ultrafiltered fractions were subsequently obtained from the glutelin hydrolysate, composed of Se-contained broccoli peptides (Se-Bp) with different molecular weights (MW), namely, < 1 kDa, 1–3 kDa, and 3–10 kDa. Glutelin exhibited the highest protein yield (65.60 ± 1.07%), purity (78.39 ± 0.95%), nutritional value, organic Se content (88.05 ± 0.32% of total Se content), and Se speciation distribution (selenocystine, selenomethionine, methylselenocysteine, and selenoethionine). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of different MW of Se-Bp was assessed using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The results revealed that antioxidant activity of the candidate peptide is dependent upon its Se content, amino acid composition, and MW, especially Se-Bp with MW of 1–3 kDa displayed the strongest free radical scavenging ability.

Evaluation of the White and Red Cabbage Efficiency as Pre-Plants in the Control of Johnsongrass in Tomato Cultivation

Evaluation of the White and Red Cabbage Efficiency as Pre-Plants in the Control of Johnsongrass in Tomato Cultivation

Effect of different organic sources and time of manuring on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Instructional cum Experimental Farm, Nagaland University, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema campus to evaluate the “Effect of different organic sources and time of manuring on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracaea var. capitata). The experiment consisted of 15 treatments laid out in RBD with three replications. Result of the experiment clearly revealed that application of 75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT obtained maximum growth parameters, quality parameters and yield parameters with plant height (29.69 cm), stem diameter (2.73 cm), plant spread (50.37 cm), head compactness (34.70 cm), ascorbic acid content (9.16 mg 100-1g) and protein content (2.53%), head diameter (13.48 cm), head size (152.41 cm2), gross head weight (1416.67 g), net head weight (865.03 g), yield per plot (10.36 kg) and projected yield per hectare (24.03 t). Highest available N (301.66 kg ha-1) was recorded in T15 (RDF) while T4 (100% N through FYM 10 days before transplanting) recorded the maximum available phosphorous (49.45 kg ha-1). Maximum available potassium (218.89 kg ha-1), organic carbon (2.63%) and CEC (14.66 meq 100-1g) were recorded from T3 (75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT). Economics of treatments was calculated and T3 (75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT) recorded highest net return (Rs 5,03,900).The above findings suggest that the application of vermicompost can be effectively used for obtaining higher yield, improve soil fertility and higher net returns for organic cabbage cultivation.

Effects of the Mixed Seeding Rate of Milkvetch on Fertilizer Substrate, Growth, and Carotenoid Levels of Baby Leaf Vegetables in Vertical Indoor Farming

During this study, an indoor experiment was conducted to determine the effect of mixed seeding rates of legumes used as green manure on the substrate fertilizer, growth characteristics, and bioactive compounds of baby leaf vegetables. The mixed seeding treatment was designed for milkvetch (Astragalus sinicus L.), tatsoi (Barassica rapa L.), kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) using five rates for each. Accordingly, a total of 15 treatments (3 baby leaf species × 5 mixed seeding rates) were constructed using a randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatment. During the baby leaf vegetable harvest, we evaluated the macronutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in the substrate as well as the growth parameters and carotenoid contents. The substrate in the treatment mixed with milkvetch showed significantly higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared with those of tatsoi and kale sown alone (P ≤ 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in macronutrients observed in substrate-sown spinach with or without the milkvetch mixture. The growth and carotenoid levels of each baby leafy vegetable sown alone were significantly higher than those of each baby leafy vegetable sown with the mixed seeding treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Sowing the milkvetch–vegetable mixtures did not result in a significant increase in the growth and carotenoid levels of the three baby vegetables. The results showed that planting milkvetch with tatsoi and kale had a significant impact on substrate fertilization. However, regarding short-term vertical indoor farming, the growth and carotenoid responses of the three greens may be different. Nonetheless, we still believe that the combined interactions of legumes can provide long-term benefits by enhancing the biological functionality of the growing medium for balanced indoor agriculture production.

Assessment of quantitative yield losses due to chemical intervention in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under field conditions

Assessment of quantitative yield losses due to chemical intervention in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under field conditions

Enhancing drought tolerance in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) through melatonin application: Physiological and biochemical insights into growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense mechanisms

Broccoli is a well-known and high-value vegetable crop for its abundance of antioxidants and minerals. Despite its popularity, its production faces significant challenges from various abiotic stressors, particularly drought stress. Melatonin a multifunctional molecule within plants modulates environmental stresses including drought stress. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin application (0 and 100 μM) on broccoli under 100% field capacity (FC) (well-watered) and drought stress (50% field capacity). Foliar application of melatonin helped overcome drought-induced losses and enhanced plant height (23.72%), root length (43.47%), total chlorophyll contents (46%), carotenoids (60%) and yield (34.23%), glycine betaine (GB) (77.7%), whereas reducing the oxidative activities of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (20%) and leaf water potential (LWP) (33.35%) in broccoli plants. Antioxidant activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxide (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate (APX) were further enhanced under melatonin treatment with 28.53%, 26.10%, 35.26%, and 33.33% respectively. Melatonin application significantly increased gas exchange characteristics by increasing stomatal conductance. Pearson correlation matrix and biplot were developed for the determination of trait association and treatment performance. Exogenous melatonin application decreased the oxidative damage brought on by the drought and increased the yield of broccoli.

Productive and qualitative profile of unexploited microgreen genotypes from Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae and Portulacaceae families

Microgreens combine visual, taste, flavor and bioactive qualities based on genetic selection, making them a gastronomic novelty. In the present study, ten microgreen genotypes were investigated in terms of biometrical traits (fresh yield, dry matter concentration, and main color indices) alongside compositional analyses, involving cations, nitrate, vitamin C, phenols, and glucosinolate profile. The genotypes were selected from Brassicaceae (five), Chenopodiaceae (one), Portulacaceae (one) and Asteraceae (two) families, according to the availability of unexploited local varieties beyond the commercial ones. The microgreens were cultivated hydroponically in a controlled environment. Distinct genotypic variations were observed for each measured biometric and qualitative trait, with substantial differences noted between and within species. Among the ten genotypes, the underutilized purslane stood out for vitamin C (30 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), Mg (39 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), and the remarkably low nitrate content (7 mg 100 g-1 f.w.). White mustard exhibited the highest levels of glucosinolates (171 mg kg-1 f.w.), phenols (190 mg g.a.e. 100 g-1 f.w), and notable concentrations of cations such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. From a nutritional perspective, ‘Mugnolo’ (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) proved less suitable as a microgreen due to its highest Na/K ratio (2.28) and generally the low content of other minerals, phenols, vitamin C, and glucosinolates. The findings of this study hold significance for selecting new microgreen species/varieties that align with the preferences and requirements of both consumers and producers.

Analysis of Kale Vegetable Production (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) in Catfish Pond Water Media Using Floating Net Aquaponics Technology

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is a horticultural plant that looks like broccoli and cabbage, but its leaves are headless. This study aims to analyze the production of kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) vegetables in catfish pond water media using floating net aquaponics technology, focusing on the impact of various doses of organic fertilizer on plant growth. The method used was the analysis of variance, and if a significant difference were found, Duncan's Multiple Range Test at the 5% level would be applied further. The results showed that various doses of organic fertilizer did not produce significant differences in plant height, although higher doses tended to increase. However, applying organic fertilizer significantly increased the number of kale plant leaves, with a dose of 100 ml/L producing the highest number of leaves compared to the control. This indicates that organic fertilizer effectively supports kale plants' vegetative growth. On the other hand, the treatment using AB Mix and catfish ponds as media did not show significant differences in the fresh weight of kale plants at various observation periods. Variations in plant wet weight were not statistically different enough to affect the study's conclusions. These findings indicate that although organic fertilizer significantly increased the number of leaves, aquaponic media with AB Mix and catfish ponds did not significantly affect plant wet weight.

Extraction, catalytic study and milk-clotting properties of proteases from Brassicaoleracea

Proteases were extracted and biochemically characterized from different Brassica oleracea varieties (B. oleracea var. palmifolia (black cabbage, BC), B. oleracea var. sabellica (curly kale, K), and B. oleracea var. botrytis (white cauliflower, WC)). Calf rennet (CR) and Cynara cardunculus crude extracts (CC) were used as reference samples. The catalytic study used two different substrates: the synthetic peptide Bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA (BPVA-pNA), which contains para-nitroaniline (pNA), and azocasein (AzC) as a macromolecular substrate. The effect of temperature and pH on the proteolytic activity were also evaluated. Brassica proteases were further proposed as milk coagulants, and their coagulating efficiencies were evaluated. Bovine casein was incubated with the plant extracts, and the relative breakdown products were observed through electrophoresis. BC, K, and WC contain proteases which hydrolyze the macromolecular substrate (AzC) and synthetic peptides with Arg in P-1 (BPVA-pNA). Therefore, among the three B. oleracea varieties and control extracts, K leaf extracts displayed greater catalytic efficiency against AzC. Brassica extracts showed a lesser milk clotting index but visible milk curd formation. More importantly, the protease activities of BC and K extracts exhibited great catalytic activity over a broad range of pH (3.6–9.0) and temperatures (40–70 °C) using AzC as a substrate. Current pH and thermal tolerance results indicate that B. oleracea var. palmifolia and B. oleracea var. sabellica proteases could have broad applications in food technology. Many plant resources, which could represent potential sources of efficient proteases, are still unexploited.

Bioengineered silver nanoparticles using Brassica oleracea sub sp. botrytis (L.) for enhanced antibacterial activity

The green methodologies of nanoparticles with plant extracts have received an increase of interest. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been utilized in a many of applications in the last few decades. The current study presents the synthesis of Ag NPs with aqueous extract of Brassica oleracea sub sp. botrytis (L.) as a stabilizing agent. UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDAX analysis were performed to study the synthesized Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs have been measured with dynamic light scattering (DLS), the average size and charge were discovered to be 81.62 ± 1.14 nm and -11.3 ± 2.51 mV, respectively. Furthermore, as-formed AgNPs shown strong antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). According to the results of this investigation, green synthesized Ag NPs with Brassica oleracea sub sp. botrytis (L.) may be used in biomedicine as a replacement agent for biological applications.