Brassica Rapa Research Articles

Evaluation of Biological Activity of Crude Extracts from Plants used by Indigenous Communities of Pothohar Plateau, Pakistan

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of eight plant extracts that are used by communities of the Pothohar Plateau. Selected plants were Brassica campestris, Brassica oleracea var. italica, Allium sativum, Piper nigrum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Allium cepa, Olea europaea and Moringa oleifera. The antimicrobial assessment was carried out by using the agar diffusion method and antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay, phosphomolybdate assay, and reducing power assay, against the selected isolates. Antimicrobial and growth rate studies were carried out by using two Gram-negative, one Gram-positive, and two pathogenic fungal strains. Among all tested extracts M. oleifera appeared to have the highest bioactivity with a percentage inhibition of 89 % against DPPH free radical, followed by Allium sativum 81 %, Allium cepa 75 %, Olea europaea 67 %, B. campestris 60 %, B. oleracea 58 %. During the phosphomolybdate assay similar trends were obtained such as: M. oleifera 91 % followed by A. sativum 85 %, A. cepa 78 %, Brassica campestris 72 %, Brassica oleracea 70 % and Olea europaea 65 % in higher concentration (1000 µg/ml). In the case of antibacterial assay Moringa oleifera showed maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (20mm) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (18 mm) and Escherichia coli, (17mm) whereas, crude extract of Allium sativum showed maximum zone of inhibition 14.4 mm against A. flavus whereas M. oleifera gave maximum zone of inhibition against A. alternata, followed by A. sativum and A. cepa. All the tested extracts showed bioactivities. This study can indicate the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of M. oleifera, and A. species. Hence, it is recommended that the extracts of these plants should be further evaluated for their possible application as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Geographical distribution map of Alternaria blight of rapeseed-mustard in India

Alternaria blight (AB) disease caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc., and A. brassicicola (Schwein) Wiltshire is a most common destructive disease which causes upto 35% yield loss through disturbing the photosynthetic activities in plant. During 2004 to 2020, AB severity data revealed that the disease severity decreased by 7% in rapeseed-mustard growing area. Prevalence of AB severity observed in Uttarakhand (48.5%), Himachal Pradesh (47.1%), Punjab (43.7%), Bihar (38.9%), Assam (38.7%), Jharkhand (38.7%), Uttar Pradesh (38.0%), Jammu & Kashmir (31.7%), Haryana (28.5%), Madhya Pradesh (25.3%), Chhatishgarh (24.1%), and Rajasthan (15.5%). However, AB severity was negligible in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu states due to unfavourable weather conditions. Although, AB severity trend was fluctuating between 18.4 to 45.2%, but severity on Rohini and Varuna at Bharatpur was observed below 15% since last 10 years which was higher upto 25% severity recorded during 2003 to 2006. AB severity was recorded maximum on Brassica rapa ssp. Toria (39.3%) followed by, B. rapa ssp. Yellow Sarson (34.9%), B. juncea (31.1%) and Eruca sativa (30.9%). Although, B. napus (26.0%) and B. carinata (22.1) were least affected crops species with AB which could be used for developing tolerance/resistance in B. juncea through traditional breeding methods.

Correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis studies in Brassica spp. for yield and quality traits

An experiment was conducted with 40 genotypes of Brassica species (Brassica juncea-15, Brasica rapa var. yellow sarson-10, Brassica rapa var. toria-5, Brassica tournefortii-5, Brassica nigra-2 and Brassica carinata-3) in Rabi season 2021-22 College of Agriculture, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The experiment was put out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Correlation coefficient analysis indicated that seed yield/plant had positive significant correlation with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height and siliqua density of main shoot. The direct effect on seed yield/plant were observed for plant height, number of primary branches/plant, first branch initiation height, number of seeds/siliqua, 1000 seed weight and glucosinolates. The genotypes MYS-172 and MN-2 showed high and low oil content, respectively, whereas, genotype TM309-1 and MBT-4 showed the highest and the lowest glucosinolates, respectively.

The Effect of Giving Tofu Dregs and Manure on The Growth of Pakcoy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) Plants

Pakcoy is a variety of mustard greens whose leaves are used as a vegetable. Pakcoy mustard greens are also often called spoon mustard greens because their shape resembles a spoon. The aim of this research was to determine which factors and chemical combinations had the greatest influence on the growth of pak choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) plants. Experimental methodology was used in this research's quantitative approach. There were 24 samples used in this research experiment, which included 6 treatments and 4 replications. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used in data analysis for this study. The hypothesis testing process then continues using data from the prerequisite tests, namely ordinariness test and homogeneity test. The results showed that tofu dregs and manure had no effect on the total fresh weight of harvested plants, but did affect plant height and number of leaves at 2 WAP and 6 WAP observations.including the addition of soil and manure, has the best composition for growth in plant height and wet weight of the entire crop.The combination of soil, tofu dregs and manure is a good treatment for increasing the number of leaves.The plant height parameter observed at 2 WAP and 4 WAP in treatments P3 and P1 was the as it were parameter that was altogether diverse between each treatment, based on the findings of the BNT test.

Genome-wide identification of a novel Na+ transporter from Bienertia sinuspersici and overexpression of BsHKT1;2 improved salt tolerance in Brassica rapa.

Salt stress is an ever-increasing stressor that affects both plants and humans. Therefore, developing strategies to limit the undesirable effects of salt stress is essential. Sodium ion exclusion is well known for its efficient salt-tolerance mechanism. The High-affinity K+ Transporter (HKT) excludes excess Na+ from the transpiration stream. This study identified and characterized the HKT protein family in Bienertia sinuspersici, a single-cell C4 plant. The HKT and Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) expression levels were examined in B. sinuspersici and Arabidopsis thaliana leaves under four different salt stress conditions: 0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl. Furthermore, BsHKT1;2 was cloned, thereby producing stable transgenic Brassica rapa. Our results showed that, compared to A. thaliana as a glycophyte, the HKT family is expanded in B. sinuspersici as a halophyte with three paralogs. The phylogenetic analysis revealed three paralogs belonging to the HKT subfamily I. Out of three copies, the expression of BsHKT1;2 was higher in Bienertia under control and salt stress conditions than in A. thaliana. Stable transgenic plants overexpressing 35S::BsHKT1;2 showed higher salt tolerance than non-transgenic plants. Higher biomass and longer roots were observed in the transgenic plants under salt stress than in non-transgenic plants. This study demonstrates the evolutionary and functional differences in HKT proteins between glycophytes and halophytes and associates the role of BsHKT1;2 in imparting salt tolerance and productivity.

The Effectiveness of Taro Compost Fertilizer on Soil pH, Growth and Yield of Pak Choy (Brassica rapa L.) in Tasikmalaya

Lack of awereness about the use of agriculture waste in increasing soil fertility leading to high use of inorganic fertilizer. Continuous use of inorganic fertilizer can reduce soil fertility in the future. This research aims to determine the impact of providing taro compost fertilizer on soil pH, growth and yield of pak choy In Tasikmalaya. This research was carried out in experimental field of Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya from October until November 2023. Experimental design used a randomized block design of one factor with six treatments and three replications. The treatments consist of without taro compost fertilizer, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 g/polybag taro compost fertilizer. Reseach results show taro compost fertilizer can increase plant height, fresh weight of the plant, plant root length, fresh weight of roots and plant canopy weight. The best treatment was 300 g/polybag with plant height 16,8 cm, fresh weight of plant 55,63 g, plant root length 15,83 cm, fresh weight of roots 8,63 g, and plant canopy weight 47 g compared to control treatment without taro compost fertilizer. However, addition various doses taro compost fertilizer hasn’t effect for soil pH. The conclution of this research is that giving various doses of compost fertilizer can increase the growth and yield of pak choy in Tasikmalaya.

Regulation of the trade-off between cold stress and growth by glutathione S-transferase phi class 10 (BcGSTF10) in non-heading Chinese cabbage.

Cold stress is a serious threat to global crop production and food security, but plant cold resistance is accompanied by reductions in growth and yield. In this study, we determined that the novel gene BcGSTF10 in non-heading Chinese cabbage [NHCC; Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis] is implicated in resistance to cold stress. Biochemical and genetic analyses demonstrated that BcGSTF10 interacts with BcICE1 to induce C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR (CBF) genes that enhance freezing tolerance in NHCC and in Arabidopsis. However, BcCBF2 represses BcGSTF10 and the latter promotes growth in NHCC and Arabidopsis. This dual function of BcGSTF10 indicates its pivotal role in balancing cold stress and growth, and this important understanding has the potential to inform the future development of strategies to breed crops that are both climate-resilient and high-yielding.

Growth Test of Pakchoy (Brassica rapa L) Against Abiotic Stress from the Heavy Metal Pb

The pakchoy plant also faces various challenges in its growth environment, including exposure to abiotic stressors. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), are environmental contaminants that can have significant negative impacts on plants. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the resilience of pakchoy plants (Brassica rapa L.) to concentrations of abiotic stress from the heavy metal Pb. This is achieved through a series of experiments to understand the effects of exposure to the heavy metal Pb on growth and to analyze the accumulation of heavy metals in pakchoy plants. Pakchoy plants (Brassica rapa L.) can grow under conditions of heavy metal Pb stress; however, as the concentration of Pb increases, the growth of the plants becomes progressively slower. This is evidenced by a reduction in height, leaf number, plant biomass, and the accumulation of heavy metal Pb in the plant tissues. Consequently, these plants are categorized as phytoremediators due to their ability to accumulate heavy metal Pb.

Bio-organic fertilizers from food wastes induce changes in soil microbial community composition and the development of bok-choy (<i>Brassica rapa</i>)

Bio-organic fertilizers from food wastes induce changes in soil microbial community composition and the development of bok-choy (<i>Brassica rapa</i>)

The Effect of Leaf-Eating Pest Infestation on Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Treated with Papaya Leaf Extract

Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L.) has experienced a decline in productivity due to plant pests. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of papaya leaf extract and the optimal concentration that can control pest infestation. This study utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 4 treatments with 5 replications, with the tested concentrations being: P0 = control, P1 = 200 ml L-1, P2 = 400 ml L-1, P3 = 600 ml L-1. The research results indicated that papaya leaf extract significantly influenced pest attacks, with the best concentration being 600 ml L-1, resulting in a pest attack intensity of 18.75%.

Combined Application of Myo-Inositol and Corn Steep Liquor from Agricultural Waste Alleviate Salt Stress in Brassica rapa.

Salinity poses a significant threat to plant growth through induction of osmotic and ionic stress and disruption of nutrient absorption. Biostimulants derived from agricultural waste offer a sustainable solution to alleviate salt-induced damage to plants and contribute to a circular and sustainable economy. In this study, we applied a combination of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor from waste sources to seedling cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) and investigated their effects on plant growth under NaCl-simulated salt stress. Different concentrations of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor were applied to the roots, revealing that 150 mM NaCl significantly inhibited the growth and physiological metabolism of cabbage seedlings. Substrate application of myo-inositol, corn steep liquor, and their combination materials increased biomass, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and the contents of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in cabbage under salt stress conditions, while reducing malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, Na+ content, and the ratios of Na+/K+, Na+/Ca2+, and Na+/Mg2+. Therefore, root application of myo-inositol, corn steep liquor, and myo-inositol-corn steep liquor combination materials enhanced photosynthesis and enhanced cabbage salt stress resistance by maintaining cell osmotic and ion balance. The most pronounced positive effects were observed in the treatment with 0.1 mL L-1 corn steep liquor +288 mg L-1 myo-inositol. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the combined utilization of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor to boost early growth and salt resistance in crops.

Yield, nutritional and flavor quality of Chinese cabbage under different rates of chicken manure substituted for chemical fertilizer

Combination of livestock manure (LM) with chemical fertilizer (CF) holds promise for obtaining high productivity. However, there is a relative lack of research on the impact of vegetable quality and its associated influences in the pursuit of high yields. The study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting chicken manure (CM) for CF on growth and quality (nutrition and flavor) of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) under the same nitrogen level. In general, CM substitution for CF recorded higher soil nutrients contents, head yield and phosphorus and molybdenum concentrations than sole application of CF. However, the concentrations of zinc, calcium, nickel, and lead decreased with CM application. Additionally, N concentration decreased by 47.1 % with sole CM application. Treatments had no significant effect on the concentrations of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, sodium, chromium, cobalt, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and on nutritional quality. We identified 454 volatiles, the primary percentages were esters (22.1 %), acids (14.3 %), and ketones (14.3 %). CM application inhibited the contents of total volatile and esters (especially isothiocyanates). When CM replaced CF at a rate of 2/3 and 3/3, the richness of volatiles dramatically increased. Furthermore, the Mantel test confirmed a strong correlation between volatile compound contents (VOCs) and soil C/N ratio, total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP). Five volatiles (methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-phenol, 1-propanethiol and dimethyl trisulfide) were collected as aroma compounds. With the CM application DMDS contents increased by 2.0–4.3-fold. Random forest model revealed a negative correlation between DMDS concentration and Ca level, possibly attributed to the decrease in allyl isothiocyanate content and the inhibition of TRPA1 transient receptor potential ion channel. In conclusion, precise adjustment of CM to CF substitution rates is essential for preserving Chinese cabbage yield and quality. This study could offer valuable insights for both nutraceutical and flavor purposes.

Genome-wide identification of RNA recognition motif (RRM1) in Brassica rapa and functional analysis of RNA-binding protein (BrRBP) under low-temperature stress

BackgroundThe RNA recognition motif (RRM) is primarily engaged in the processing of mRNA and rRNA following gene transcription as well as the regulation of RNA transport; it is critical in preserving RNA stability.ResultsIn this study, we identified 102 members of the RRM1 gene family in Brassica rapa, which were dispersed across 10 chromosomes with the ninth chromosome being the most extensively distributed. The RRM1 gene family members of Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana were grouped into 14 subclades (I–XIV) using phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, the results of transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR indicated that the expression of Brapa05T000840 was upregulated in the cultivars ‘Longyou 7’ and ‘Longyou 99’ following exposure to cold stress at a temperature of 4 °C for 24 h. The levels of expression in the leaves and growth cones of the ‘Longyou 7’ variety were found to be significantly higher than those observed in the ‘Longyou 99’ variety under conditions of low temperature and NaCl stress. It illustrates the involvement of the RRM1 gene in the physiological response to both low temperature and salt stress. In addition, it was observed that the survival rate of transgenic BrRBP (Brapa05T000840) Arabidopsis thaliana plants was notably higher compared to that of wild-type plants when subjected to varying durations of low temperature treatment. Furthermore, the expression of the BrRBP gene in transgenic plants exhibited an upward trend as the duration of low temperature treatment increased, reaching its peak at 24 h. The in-vivo enzymatic activity of reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes were found to be significantly elevated in comparison to wild-type plants, suggesting that the BrRBP gene may enhance the cold tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana.ConclusionsThis study offers a significant foundation for comprehending the regulation mechanism of the RRM1 gene family in winter Brassica rapa subjected to cold stress, as well as for finding key genes associated with cold resistance.

Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of Novel Chalcone Analogues Containing a Methylxanthine Moiety and Their N-Acyl Pyrazoline Derivatives.

On the basis of the structures of natural methylxanthines and chalcone, a series of novel chalcone analogues containing a methylxanthine moiety, Ia-Ig, and their N-acyl pyrazoline derivatives IIa-IIz and IIaa-IIaf were synthesized and identified through melting points, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The single crystal of compound IId was obtained, which further illustrated the structural characteristics of the methylxanthine-acylpyrazoline compounds. The biological tests showed that some of them displayed favorable insecticidal activities toward Plutella xylostella L. and were superior to the natural methylxanthine compound caffeine while being comparable with the insecticide triflumuron (e.g., compound Ic: LC50 = 16.8508 mg/L, IIf: LC50 = 1.5721 mg/L, against P. xylostella). Of these compounds, Ic, IIf, and IIu could serve as novel insecticidal leading structures for further study. Some of the compounds showed good fungicidal activities (e.g., compound Ig: EC50 = 14.74 μg/mL, against Rhizoctonia cerealis; IIf: EC50 = 7.06 μg/mL, against Physalospora piricola; IIac: EC50 = 5.37 and 8.19 μg/mL, against Phytophthora capsici and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, respectively); Ic, Ig, IIa, IIf, IIr, IIs, IIv, IIac, and IIaf could be novel fungicidal leading compounds for further exploration. Furthermore, most of the tested compounds exhibited apparent herbicidal activities against Brassica campestris at a concentration of 100 μg/mL; among others, compound IIa was the best one both toward Brassica campestris and Echinochloa crusgalli and deserves further investigation. The structure-activity relationships of these compounds were also summarized and discussed in detail. The contrast experiment results of compounds C-1 and C-2 showed a positive effect on the biological activity enhancement from the combination of the methylxanthine moiety with the N-dichloroacetyl phenylpyrazoline skeleton. In addition, two 3D-QSAR models with predictive capability were constructed based on the insecticidal and fungicidal activities to afford deep insight into the bioactivity profiles of these compounds. This research provides useful guidance and reference for the discovery and development of novel xanthine natural product-based pesticides.

Effect of pretreatment conditions on quality characteristics and antioxidant activity in pak choi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)

This study evaluated the impact of blanching pak choi stems and leaves in various solutions (distilled water, 2% NaCl, and 2% citric acid) at 100°C on their quality characteristics. The highest stem heating loss was observed in the sodium chloride solution (S-NB) at 15.10% (p<0.001), and the highest leaf heating loss was in L-NB at 11.44% (p<0.001). No significant variation was found in the moisture content of both stems and leaves. Relative to the control, the L value (lightness) of the stem decreased while the b value (yellowness) increased (p<0.05). In the leaves, the a value (redness/greenness) and b value increased in L-CB, whereas they decreased in other groups (p<0.05). S-NB exhibited the highest true retention (TR) of total polyphenol content (TPC) in stems (p<0.01) and the highest TR of total flavonoid content (TFC) as well (p<0.001). For leaves, the highest TR of TPC and TFC was in L-WB (p<0.001). In terms of antioxidant activity, S-NB in stems and L-WB in leaves showed the highest scavenging activity measured by DPPH and ABTS+ assays (p<0.001). Microorganisms were absent in all pretreatment groups but present in the control. The results suggest that blanching pak choi stems in 2% NaCl solution and leaves in water optimally preserves biologically active compounds and nutrients.

Research on preparing seedling substrates using edible mushroom waste and application

ABSTRACT To improve the utilisation of mushroom residue waste resources and identify a replaceable matrix material for peat, 10 different formula substrates and three commercially available substrates were examined to determine their physiochemical properties. Furthermore, the correlation and influence of these physicochemical properties on the substrates were explored. Pot experiments were conducted using Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino var. communis Tsen et Lee (cabbage), Brassica chinensis L. (pakchoi), Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber), and Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex-Poiret (pumpkin). The results showed that the matrix was most significantly affected by water-holding porosity, aeration porosity, air-water ratio, total porosity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorous (AP), and available potassium (AK). The random forest (RFF) model indicated that pH and total nitrogen (TN) had the strongest influence on the plant height and stem diameter of the cabbage. Moreover, pH, water-holding porosity, and total porosity most significantly influenced the plant height, stem diameter, and seedling vigour index. AP and air-water ratio substantially affected the root length and root-to-crown ratio of the cucumbers, while EC, air-water ratio, and AP influenced the stem diameter, root length, and seedling vigour index of the pumpkin most. The biological characteristics of the four vegetables during the pot experiment indicated that the overall effect of the 10 substrates supplemented with perlite and vermiculite was better than in the basic group. Of these, T2 (mushroom waste: sawdust: catalyst: vermiculite = 8:2:5:5) displayed the best result and could be used as an alternative for peat seedling.

Influence of Soil and Nutrient Management Practices on Crop Productivity and Quality in High Tunnel Organic Leafy Green Production

Despite the growing interest in high tunnel organic vegetable production, limited information is available regarding optimizing nutrient management for organic leafy greens. This 3-year study examined the impacts of cowpea cover crop as well as different organic fertilizers and composts on yield, leaf mineral nutrient content, and phytochemical properties of organic leafy greens produced in high tunnels under Florida sandy soil conditions. The experiment was arranged in a split-split-plot design with three replications. The whole plots consisted of a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ‘Iron & Clay’) cover crop and a weedy fallow control, with fertilization treatments in the subplots, including preplant application of granular fertilizer vs. weekly injection of liquid fish fertilizer at the same seasonal rates of nitrogen (112 kg/ha), phosphorus (9.8 kg/ha), and potassium (74.4 kg/ha). The sub-subplots included yard waste-based compost (22.4 Mt/ha), cow manure-based compost (22.4 Mt/ha), vermicompost (5.6 Mt/ha), and no compost control. Cowpea was broadcasted (112 kg/ha) in early July or mid-August and terminated 51 to 53 days after seeding. Pac choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Mei Qing Choi’) was transplanted in mid-Sep. or mid-Oct. and harvested after 33 to 36 days. Baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea ‘Corvair’) or baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Outredgeous’) was direct seeded subsequently as a catch crop. Each experimental unit remained in the same location across the 3 years of the study. Cover cropping had little influence on yields, leaf mineral nutrients, ascorbic acid content, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity of pac choi and baby spinach/lettuce. Compared with preplant application of the granular organic fertilizer, weekly liquid organic fertigation improved pac choi marketable yield and dry weight by 16.8% and 5.4% on average, respectively, and enhanced leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents on a dry weight basis. Relative to the no compost control, yard waste compost consistently improved marketable yields of pac choi by 11.6% on average and led to higher yields of the baby spinach/lettuce catch crop in years 1 and 3, suggesting that compost applications may enhance seasonal nutrient availability to better meet crop demand. However, compost application exhibited inconsistent effects on crop mineral nutrient and phytochemical contents across the years, which could be attributed to the different nutrient compositions of the composts applied in each season, as well as the legacy effects from the previous season. Furthermore, the compost benefits may be influenced by the fertilization program as indicated by their interaction effects observed in this study.

Bioregenerative dietary supplementation in space: Brassica rapa var. nipposinica and other Brassica cultivars

Despite the precise environmental manipulation enabled by controlled environment agriculture (CEA), plant genotype remains a key factor in producing desirable traits. Brassica rapa var. nipposinica (mizuna) is a leading candidate for supplementing deficiencies in the space diet, however, which cultivar of mizuna will respond best to the environment of the international space station (ISS) is unknown. It is also unclear if there are more inter-varietal (mizuna - mustards) or intra-varietal (mizuna - mizuna) differences in response to the ISS environment. Twenty-two cultivars of mustard greens, including 13 cultivars of mizuna, were grown under ISS-like conditions to determine which would provide the greatest yield and highest concentrations of carotenoids, anthocyanins, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, ascorbic acid, thiamine, and phylloquinone. The experiment was conducted thrice, and data were analyzed to determine which cultivar is most suited for further optimization of space-based cultivation. It was found that phylloquinone and β-carotene concentrations did not vary between cultivars, while all other metrics of interest showed some variation. ‘Amara’ mustard (B. carinata) provided the best overall nutritional profile, despite its low biomass yield of 36.8 g, producing concentrations of 27.85, 0.40, and 0.65 mg·g − 1 of ascorbic acid, thiamine, and lutein, respectively. Of the mizuna cultivars evaluated, open pollinated mibuna provided the best profile, while 'Red Hybrid’ mizuna provided a complimentary profile to that of ‘Amara’, minimally increasing dietary iron while providing beneficial anthocyanins lacking in ‘Amara’.

Effect of Abnormal Light/Dark Cycles on the Pigment Complex of Brassicaceae and Solanaceae Plants

Under controlled environmental conditions, the authors studied the effect of extendedlight/dark cycles of 24/12, 48/24, 96/48, and 120/60 h and continuous lighting on the content and ratio ofphotosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic pigments in a number of Solanaceae (eggplant (Solanum melongena L.),sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.))and Brassicaceae (broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck), mizuna (Brassica rapa ssp nipposinica(L.H. Bailey) Hanelt), arugula (Eruca vesicaria sp. sativa Mill.), and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var.botrytis L.)) plants. Plants were grown in controlled-climate chambers at 23°С and light intencity of270 μmol/(m2s) PAR. Control plants were grown under photoperiod of 16/8 h. Continuous lightingdecreased the content of chlorophyll, its share in light-harvesting complex and chlorophyll to carotenoidsratio, but increased chlorophyll a/b ratio and the content of anthocyanins and flavonoids; these effects weredifferently manifested depending on plant species. At all other examined light/dark cycles (24/12, 48/24,96/48, and 120/60 h) where average daily light integral did not differ from such under common photoperiod(16/8 h), changes in pigment complex were often observed similar to photoprotective reactions occurringupon exposure of plants to excess illumination (a decrease in the content of photosynthetic pigments, modification of their ratios, and accumulation of protective, nonphotosynthetic pigments). At the same time,plant responses were species-specific. On the whole, the obtained results have shown that changes within theplant pigment complex may be induced not only by excessive light energy coming to plants, but also by distribution of daily light integral in time as it occurs in response to abnormal light/dark cycles that, in theauthors’ opinion, cause a circadian asynchrony

Effect of spent coffee grounds and liquid worm fertilizer on the growth and yield of Brassica campestris L.

Effect of spent coffee grounds and liquid worm fertilizer on the growth and yield of Brassica campestris L.