Cabbage Research Articles

Field evaluation and characterization of a novel biostimulant for broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation under drought and salt stress which increases antioxidant, glucosinolate and phytohormone content

Anthropogenic global warming is affecting crop yield and thus compromising food security. Drought and salinization of the irrigation water or soil are increasingly frequent in most arable land, specifically in arid and semiarid areas such as the Mediterranean basin. Many crops have been displaced or their yield has plummeted in recent years, causing food shortages and price increases. In a context of global population growth and reduction in the availability of natural resources used in agriculture, finding novel tools that help farmers to maintain yield in an increasingly arid and saline scenario is of pivotal importance. This is particularly important in organic agriculture, where the number of available tools is very limited. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms of natural origin whose function is to stimulate plant processes related to nutrient absorption, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress or the quality of the agricultural products obtained. In the present work, we have evaluated, in field, the agronomic effectiveness of a novel biostimulant formulation in a cruciferous crop of great interest in the Mediterranean basin (broccoli) under control conditions, water and salt stress. Our research has shown that our product had a positive effect on broccoli production and in delaying flowering time. We have also found that the application of our biostimulant increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense under drought conditions. Similarly, when exposed to salinity, the biostimulant increased the concentration of different phytohormones and glucosinolates. Taken together, our biostimulant increases the tolerance of broccoli to salt stress and water limitation by increasing the antioxidant response, the level of glucosinolates and eliciting the hormonal response.

Effect of Exogenous Application of Humic Acid, GA3 and Vermiwash on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under Valley Condition of Srinagar Garhwal

The effect of exogenous application of humic acid, GA3 and vermiwash on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage was studied in a field experiment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design at the Horticultural Research Centre, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, with three replications and ten treatments. All of the growth, yield and quality contributing characteristics of cabbage were found to be significant. The growth parameters at 30, 45 DAT and at harvest were found to be maximum under T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm). Yield parameters were found to be highest in T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm) total plant weight (2188.67 g), average weight of head (1454.33 g), yield per hectare (321.43 q) whereas dry weight of head (10.00 g) in T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%), head diameter (18.98 cm) and core diameter (4.53 cm) in T8 (GA3 @ 100 ppm) and core length (8.62 cm) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Quality parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for head compactness (35.39%), whereas total soluble solids (5.20 0Brix) in T3 (Humic acid @ 200 ppm) and ascorbic acid (56.07 mg) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Economic parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for cost of cultivation (1,92,510 ₹/ha), gross return (10,66,030 ₹/ha) and net return (8,73,520 ₹/ha). Hence, it may be suggested that concentration of 150 ppm GA3 could use for enhancing the production of cabbage under subtropical condition of Srinagar Garhwal

Bioactivity of andiroba oil on whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a phytophagous insect that is difficult to control and can cause great damage to several crops of economic importance, as it can use more than 600 botanical species as hosts. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent effect of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl., Meliaceae) fixed oil on B. tabaci biotype B in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala). The andiroba oil samples, Manaus and Silves were diluted in acetone P.A. at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, and compared with the commercial insecticide Evidence® 700WG (imidacloprid). For the deterrence test, the concentrations were applied on healthy seedlings and placed in a cage with adult insects. Then the oviposition of whiteflies on the leaves was counted. For the mortality test, applications were performed on seedlings with leaves infested with B. tabaci nymphs to evaluate the nymphicidal effect. Analysis of variance was performed using the F test, and comparison of means using the Tukey test (p<0.05), using the statistical program R®. Concentrations of 1% and 1.5% reached a deterrent effect of 82.13% and 88.55%, respectively. All concentrations caused mortality greater than 60%. These results attest to the potential of andiroba oil as an alternative control for the whitefly.

Application of ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for Analysis of Salt Stress in Brussels Sprouts.

Salt stress is one of the environmental stresses that significantly reduces crop productivity and quality worldwide. Methods to overcome salt stress include developing salt-resistant crops by inserting various resistance genes or to diagnosing and responding to the effects of salt stress at an early stage. In this study, we investigate the effects of salinity stress on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolic changes in Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). Fresh weight and leaf area decreased significantly with increasing NaCl concentration, indicating that salinity stress has a detrimental effect on plant growth. However, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters did not show significant changes, suggesting that photosynthetic efficiency was not significantly affected over 10 days. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed notable metabolic adjustments, especially in lipids, plastids, proteins, and carbohydrates, indicating biosynthesis of protective compounds such as anthocyanins and proline in response to salinity stress. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a strong relationship between NaCl concentration and the observed physiological and metabolic changes. The findings highlight the potential of FTIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive tool for early detection of salinity stress and timely intervention to improve crop resilience and yield. This study highlights the widespread application of FTIR spectroscopy in agricultural research to manage abiotic stresses in crops.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomes Reveals Pathways and Verifies Candidate Genes for Clubroot Resistance in Brassica oleracea.

Clubroot, a soil-borne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most destructive diseases of Brassica oleracea all over the world. However, the mechanism of clubroot resistance remains unclear. In this research, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on root samples from both resistant (R) and susceptible (S) B. oleracea plants infected by P. brassicae. Then the comparative analysis was carried out between the R and S samples at different time points during the infection stages to reveal clubroot resistance related pathways and candidate genes. Compared with 0 days after inoculation, a total of 4991 differential expressed genes were detected from the S pool, while only 2133 were found from the R pool. Gene function enrichment analysis found that the effector-triggered immunity played a major role in the R pool, while the pathogen-associated molecular pattern triggered immune response was stronger in the S pool. Simultaneously, candidate genes were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, with Bol010786 (CNGC13) and Bol017921 (SD2-5) showing potential for conferring resistance to clubroot. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying clubroot resistance and present new avenues for further research aimed at enhancing the clubroot resistance of B. oleracea through breeding.

Nanoagrochemicals versus Conventional Fertilizers: A Field Case Study with Tailor-Made Nanofertilizers for Sustainable Crop Efficiency of Brassica oleracea L. convar. Capitata var. Sabauda

Excessive use of conventional fertilizers in agricultural soils can lead to environmental contamination, particularly affecting aquifers and surface waters. Nanofertilizers, with smaller particles and greater nutrient efficiency, offer a promising alternative. This study evaluates the application of nanofertilizers by reducing NPK-doses compared to conventional fertilizers in the cultivation of Brassica oleracea L. convar. capitata var. sabauda (Savoy cabbage). Field assays were conducted in experimental plots with different NPK doses and treatments using urea-hydroxyapatite and potassium sulfate nanoparticles (optimum dose: 80 N, 100 P2O5, 250 K2O kg ha−1; and half optimum dosage). The assay was monitored throughout the crop cycle, and cabbages were harvested to determine biometric parameters, yield, and nutrient contents. The results indicated that nanofertilizers at half the recommended dosage yielded similar results to conventional fertilization in terms of cabbage growth and yield. Specifically, soil pH and available P increased by the end of the crop cycle, while total N, C, CEC, and soil texture remained unchanged, regardless of the fertilizer dose applied. Cabbage plants treated with nanofertilizers showed no significant differences in nutrient content compared to those treated with conventional fertilizers. This study supports the potential of nanofertilizers as an environmentally sustainable alternative that can reduce nutrient inputs in agriculture without compromising crop yield and quality.

Green synthesis of calcium nanoferrites using leaf extract of Brassica oleracea for photocatalysis of malachite green dye

The calcium ferrite nanoparticles were made by the sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and UV–vis spectroscopy were used to analyze the material. There is an orthorhombic phase in the space group Pnma. There were four techniques used to calculate the average crystallite size. Using ImageJ software, the particles were aggregated and their size was ascertained. Using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, the composition of the material was ascertained. 2.29 eV was determined to be the band gap. Vibrating test magnetometer (VSM) provided an explanation for the materials’ magnetic property. A decreased band gap energy is responsible for the 90% degradation of malachite green dye at a concentration of 15 mg/L in 150 min, with a four-cycle reusability.

Primary multistep phosphorelay activation comprises both cytokinin and abiotic stress responses: insights from comparative analysis of Brassica type-A response regulators.

Multistep phosphorelay (MSP) signaling integrates hormonal and environmental signals to control both plant development and adaptive responses. Type-A RESPONSE REGULATOR (RRA) genes, the downstream members of the MSP cascade and cytokinin primary response genes, are thought to mediate primarily the negative feedback regulation of (cytokinin-induced) MSP signaling. However, transcriptional data also suggest the involvement of RRA genes in stress-related responses. By employing evolutionary conservation with the well-characterized Arabidopsis thaliana RRA genes, we identified five and 38 novel putative RRA genes in Brassica oleracea and Brassica napus, respectively. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests the existence of gene-specific selective pressure, maintaining the homologs of ARR3, ARR6, and ARR16 as singletons during the evolution of Brassicaceae. We categorized RRA genes based on the kinetics of their cytokinin-mediated up-regulation and observed both similarities and specificities in this type of response across Brassicaceae species. Using bioinformatic analysis and experimental data demonstrating the cytokinin and abiotic stress responsiveness of the A. thaliana-derived TCSv2 reporter, we unveil the mechanistic conservation of cytokinin- and stress-mediated up-regulation of RRA genes in B. rapa and B. napus. Notably, we identify partial cytokinin dependency of cold stress-induced RRA transcription, thus further demonstrating the role of cytokinin signaling in crop adaptive responses.

Regional active transcription associates with homoeologous exchange breakpoints in synthetic Brassica tetraploids.

Polyploidization plays a crucial role in plant evolution and is becoming increasingly important in breeding. Structural variations and epigenomic repatterning have been observed in synthetic polyploidizations. However, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and their effects on gene expression and phenotype remain unknown. Here, we investigated genome-wide large deletion/duplication regions (DelDups) and genomic methylation dynamics in leaf organs of progeny from the first eight generations of synthetic tetraploids derived from Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). One- or two-copy DelDups, with a mean size of 5.70 Mb (400 kb to 65.85 Mb), occurred from the first generation of selfing and thereafter. The duplication of a fragment in one subgenome consistently coincided with the deletion of its syntenic fragment in the other subgenome, and vice versa, indicating that these DelDups were generated by homoeologous exchanges (HEs). Interestingly, the larger the genomic syntenic region, the higher the frequency of DelDups, further suggesting that the pairing of large homoeologous fragments is crucial for HEs. Moreover, we found that the active transcription of continuously distributed genes in local regions is positively associated with the occurrence of HE breakpoints. In addition, the expression of genes within DelDups exhibited a dosage effect, and plants with extra parental genomic fragments generally displayed phenotypes biased toward the corresponding parent. Genome-wide methylation fluctuated remarkably, which did not clearly affect gene expression on a large scale. Our findings provide insights into the early evolution of polyploid genomes, offering valuable knowledge for polyploidization-based breeding.

Hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke industrial wastes as biostimulants on seed germination and seedling growth: a chemical and biological characterization.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts. Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV-visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L-1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated. The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L-1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytotoxicity of Domestic Effluent Before and After Treatment by Stabilization Ponds

Phytotoxicity tests linked to physicochemical parameters can be used to determine the possible effects of releasing a polluting load into the environment, evaluating the efficiency of a given treatment and its toxicity effects. In this context, the present work sought to evaluate the phytotoxicity of domestic effluent before and after treatment by stabilization ponds, using kale seeds (Brassica oleracea). Toxicity tests were carried out following the methodology of the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 1996) at concentrations of 100%, 80%, 40%, 20%, 10%, and 5%. The seeds were incubated in a B.O.D. incubation chamber for five days at a temperature of 25ºC ± 2ºC. After this period, germination and root elongation were analyzed. The samples were also analyzed for biochemical oxygen demand, temperature, pH, turbidity, color, total solids, ammoniacal nitrogen, and organic nitrogen. Phytotoxicity was statistically evaluated by the Relative Growth Index, T-test (p < 0.05) for samples at 100% concentration, and Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn’s test (p < 0.05) to compare the negative control and the different concentrations. As a result, adverse effects of reduced root elongation were observed in samples of raw effluent (100%, 80%, and 20%) and treated effluent (10% and 5%), indicating a tendency toward phytotoxicity. Regarding the physicochemical parameters studied, all were within the established parameters by legislation, and no significant correlation was observed with root elongation. This may indicate the efficiency of stabilization ponds in treating domestic effluents, particularly in reducing phytotoxicity.

Susceptibility of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to cyantraniliprole and spinetoram

ABSTRACT Integrated pest management (IPM) uses a range of control strategies to diminish pest populations. Hence, the simultaneous utilisation of synthetic insecticides and biological control agents is desirable, although hindered by the possible impact of insecticides on non-target organisms. Plutella xylostella (L.) is a common target of several pesticides in Brassica crops. However, it can also be parasitised by Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff). This study examined the susceptibility of T. howardi to dry residue of cyantraniliprole and spinetoram on inert surfaces and treated kale (Brassica oleracea var. manteiga) leaf discs at field rates (FRs = 10 g a.i. ha−1 and 25 g a.i. ha−1, respectively), 50% of the FR, and at various time intervals (ranging from 2 h to 8 days after application). Survival of T. howardi remained unaffected by cyantraniliprole and spinetoram, regardless of the pesticide rate or spraying interval. Furthermore, the presence of cyantraniliprole and spinetoram in dry residue, when kale leaves were consumed by second-instar P. xylostella larvae at LC25 and LC50 levels, did not have any detrimental impact on the survival of the parasitoids. Similarly, the exposure of T. howardi to contaminated P. xylostella larvae did not have any impact on its ability to parasitise or on the emergence of the parasitoid. Given the minimal effect of cyantraniliprole and spinetoram on T. howardi, these control strategies appear to be suitable for incorporation into an integrated approach for the management of P. xylostella in Brassica crops.

Genome-Wide Identification and Molecular Evolutionary History of the Whirly Family Genes in Brassica napus.

Whirly transcription factors are unique to plants, playing pivotal roles in managing leaf senescence and DNA repair. While present in various species, their identification in Brassica napus L. (B. napus) and their differences during hybridization and polyploidy has been elusive. Addressing this, our study delves into the functional and evolutionary aspects of the Whirly gene family during the emergence of B. napus, applying bioinformatics and comparative genomics. We identified six Whirly genes in B. napus. In Brassica rapa L. (B. rapa), three Whirly genes were identified, while four were found in Brassica oleracea L. (B. oleracea). The results show that the identified Whirly genes not only have homology but also share the same chromosomal positions. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Whirly genes in monocots and dicots exhibit high conservation. In the evolutionary process, the Whirly gene family in B. napus experienced events of intron/exon loss. Collinearity insights point to intense purifying selection post-duplication. Promoter regions housed diverse cis-acting elements linked to photoresponse, anaerobic initiation, and methyl jasmonate responsiveness. Notably, elements tied to abscisic acid signaling and meristem expression were prominent in diploid ancestors but subdued in tetraploid B. napus. Tissue-specific expression unveiled analogous patterns within subfamily genes. Subsequent qRT-PCR analysis spotlighted BnAWHY1b's potential significance in abiotic stress response, particularly drought. These findings can be used as theoretical foundations to understand the functions and effects of the Whirly gene family in B. napus, providing references for the molecular mechanism of gene evolution between this species and its diploid ancestors.

The quantity of deposited environmental DNA in plant–arthropod interactions depends on taxon, abundance and interaction time

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding holds great promise as a simple and efficient tool to detect plant–insect interactions. However, the influence of both abiotic and biotic factors on eDNA deposition in these interactions is not well understood. It especially remains to be tested how much eDNA abundances reflect the frequency or intensity of interactions between insects and plants. We experimentally analysed the quantitative deposition of eDNA from three insect species (the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula, the mustard beetle Phaedon cochleariae and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda) on leaves of two host plants of varying attractiveness: savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. sabauda, preferred host) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, less preferred host). We tested for the effects of insect taxonomy, host plant, exposure time and abundances of interacting insects on the plant material. Our data show a clear quantitative ecological signal in eDNA deposition. Insect abundance and interaction time are reflected in the amount of deposited eDNA. Moreover, significantly more eDNA was deposited on cabbage, the preferred host plant. Besides these ecological drivers, a very strong taxonomic eDNA deposition bias between different insect taxa was observed. eDNA detection is strongly influenced by the ecological interactions of the targeted taxa, highlighting the utility of the tool to specifically detect trophic interactions between plants and arthropods. However, taxonomic biases in eDNA deposition preclude comparative analyses of interactions at the community level.

HAIR TONIC OF BROCCOLI (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. ITALICA) EXTRACT: FORMULATION, PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC, STABILITY AND HAIR GROWTH ACTIVITY TEST

Objective: Hair loss is a common scalp concern for both men and women. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) is a vegetable plant in the cabbage family or brassicaceae that has antioxidant activity and levels of flavonoids that can encourage hair growth. Hair tonic is one of cosmetic products that contain ingredients to nourish hair. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical stability and activity of hair development in hair tonic preparations using broccoli stalks extracted at different concentrations of 30%, 35%, and 40%, followed by an examination of the hair growth activity test in an animal model. Methods: This study hair tonic was prepared with Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica), the sample used the broccoli stalks, which was taken by purposive sampling. Evaluation of the preparation includes physical characteristic observation, pH examination, homogeneity of the preparation, irritation test, and stability test of the preparation using a cycling test, and check the activity test of hair growth in rats’ skin. Results: The results showed that the hair tonic preparation containing broccoli stalks extracts was stable at a temperature (4 °C±40 °C) where the odor, color, shape, homogeneity, and pH remained constant. In statistical testing using ANOVA analysis, each group of the hair tonic formula of broccoli stalks extract showed hair growth activity in male white rats. The hair tonic formulation containing 40% broccoli stalks extract had better hair growth activity compared to the 30% and 35% formula groups. The hair tonic prepared from broccoli extract is confirmed safe for use after successfully passing the skin irritation test. Conclusion: The hair tonic of broccoli extracts had met the standard of physical characteristics during storage time and it has a good activity test on hair growth in male white rats. This study provides a novel formulation in hair growth.

Enhancing cauliflower growth under cadmium stress: synergistic effects of Cd-tolerant Klebsiella strains and jasmonic acid foliar application.

The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) is a major environmental concern for agricultural farming communities due to water scarcity, which forces farmers to use wastewater for irrigation purposes in Pakistan. Vegetables grown around the cities are irrigated with domestic and industrial wastewater from areas near mining, paint, and ceramic industries that pollute edible parts of crops with various HMs. Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic metal in arable soil that enters the food chain and damages the native biota, ultimately causing a reduction in plant growth and development. However, the use of microbes and growth regulators enhances plant growth and development as well as HM immobilization into the cell wall and hinders their entry into the food chain. Thus, the integrated use of bacterial consortium along with exogenously applied jasmonic acid (JA) mitigates the adverse effect of metal stress, ultimately reducing the metal mobility into roots by soil. Therefore, the current study was conducted to check the impact of Cd-tolerant bacteria and JA on the growth, nutrient status, and uptake of Cd in the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea). Our results demonstrated that increasing concentrations of Cd negatively affect growth, physiological, and biochemical attributes, while the use of a bacterial consortium (SS7 + SS8) with JA (40 μmol L-1) significantly improved chlorophyll contents, stem fresh and dry biomass (19.7, 12.7, and 17.3%), root length and root fresh and dry weights (28.8, 15.2, and 23.0%), and curd fresh and dry weights and curd diameter (18.7, 12.6, and 15.1%). However, the maximum reduction in soil Cd, roots, and curd uptake was observed by 8, 11, and 9.3%, respectively, under integrated treatment as compared to the control. Moreover, integrating bacterial consortium and JA improves superoxide dismutase (SOD) (16.79%), peroxidase dismutase (POD) (26.96%), peroxidase (POX) (26.13%), and catalase (CAT) (26.86%). The plant nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents were significantly increased in soil, roots, and curd up to 8, 11, and 9.3%, respectively. Hence, a consortium of Klebsiella strains in combination with JA is a potential phytostabilizer and it reduces the uptake of Cd from soil to roots to alleviate the adverse impact on cauliflower's growth and productivity.

Assessment of Proximate, Mineral, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Brassica oleraceae L. Leaf Concentrates

Food insecurity, ill health due to microbial infection and malnutrition have led to the search for alternative and affordable measures to address food shortage problems and associated health issues worldwide. This provides an opportunity to investigate the use of plants as a remedy. A fresh sample of Brassica oleracea was selected for the study; the sample was obtained and identified at the Botany Department of the University of Ibadan, washed before being processed into the leaf concentrate and assessed for proximate, mineral, phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials using the standard methods. The results of proximate analysis in g/100g showed; moisture; 8.80±0.16, Ash; 1.38±0.10, crude fat; 4.66±0.12, crude protein; 35.52±0.3, crude fibre; 3.16±0.06 and NFE; 46.45±0.23. The mineral analysis in mg/100g showed Na; 35.81±0.23, K; 3.37±0.01, Ca; 24.71±0.02, Mg; 0.24±0.00, P; 0.91±0.00, Fe; 0.90±0.01, Zn; 0.50±0.00, Cr; 0.10±0.00, Ni; 0.00, and Cu; 0.02±0.01. The sample contains some bioactive phytochemical compounds like steroids, anthraquinones terpenes, and coumarin. The sample extracts also showed antimicrobial potential against the ten selected microbes. The study conducted so far on the selected sample revealed that the sample will be viable ingredients in food formulation, pharmaceutical raw materials and alternative sources of protein.

Host Preference and Developmental Dynamics of Fall Armyworm <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (J E Smith)

The invasive fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is a major global agricultural pest, originally from tropical and subtropical America, now affecting over 80 plant species across Africa, Asia, and beyond. This study examines its host preferences and developmental dynamics, focusing on four host plants: Zea mays L., Glycine max L., Carica papaya L., and Brassica oleraceae var. acephala L. Using a complete randomized design, mortality and developmental rates of larvae were evaluated. These results revealed that C. papaya and B. oleraceae leaves resulted in maximum larval mortality (80 and 65%, respectively). This can be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites like tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which exhibit toxic and antifeedant properties. This study highlights the armyworm's ability to adapt to alternative hosts like G. max and B. oleraceae, even surviving on C. papaya leaves, typically used as a botanical pesticide.

Assessing the Fates of Water and Nitrogen on an Open-Field Intensive Vegetable System under an Expert-N System with EU-Rotate_N Model in North China Plain.

Nitrate leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and water loss are caused by conventional water and fertilizer management in vegetable fields. The Expert-N system is a useful tool for recommending the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilizer for vegetable cultivation. To clarify the fates of water and N in vegetable fields, an open-field vegetable cultivation experiment was conducted in Dongbeiwang, Beijing. This experiment tested two irrigation treatments (W1: conventional and W2: optimal) and three fertilizer treatments (N1: conventional, N2: optimal N rate by Expert-N system, and N3: 80% optimal N rate) on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). The EU-Rotate_N model was used to simulate the fates of water and N in the soil. The results indicated that the yields of amaranth and spinach showed no significant differences among all the treatments in 2000 and 2001. However, cauliflower yield under the W1N2 and W1N3 treatments obviously reduced in 2001. Compared with the W1 treatment, W2 reduced irrigation amount by 27.9-29.8%, water drainage by over 76%, increased water use efficiency by 5-17%, and irrigation water use efficiency by 29-45%. Nitrate leaching was one of the main pathways in this study, accounting for 8.4% of the total N input; compared to N1, the input of fertilizer N under the N2 and N3 treatments decreased by over 66.5%, consequently reducing gaseous N by 48-72% and increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 17-37%. Additionally, compared with the W1 treatments, gaseous N loss under the W2 treatments was reduced by 18-26% and annual average NUEs increased by 22-29%. The highest annual average NUEs were under W2N3 (169.6 kg kg-1) in 2000 and W2N2 (188.0 kg kg-1) in 2001, respectively. We found that optimizing fertilizer management allowed subsequent crops to utilize residual N in the soil. Therefore, we suggest that the W2N3 management should be recommended to farmers to reduce water and N loss in vegetable production systems.

Effect of Ozone on Enterobacteriaceae Counts in Wheat Grain, Alfalfa, Radish, Broccoli Seeds and Sprouts

Abstract The sprouts of various seeds have garnered considerable regard amid consumers due to its verdure, crispiness, and germination potential, offering a cost-effective and straightforward process. The moist and warm conditions are very conducive to germination, fostering the growth of microorganisms and thereby raising food safety concerns. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of ozone on Enterobacteriaceae counts by subjecting wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea) seeds to ozone gas treatment. Additionally, the grain and seeds were rinsed with ozonated water during germination. Three different treatment methods were employed for seeds and grains. In the first method, samples were exposed to ozone gas at 20 ppm for 10 minutes, with subsequent rinsing every 12 hours during germination until the rinse water appeared visually clean, at a concentration of 2.0 mg L−1 of ozone. The second method involved rinsing with ozonated water at a concentration of 2.0 mg L−1 for durations of 20, 40, and 60 minutes. The third method - treated with ozone gas at 50 ppm and the exposure time of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h. Untreated samples were used as controls. Evaluation of the samples revealed that Enterobacteriaceae was virtually undetectable in dry seeds. However, after 72 hours of germination in both the control and ozone-treated sprouts and following 7 days of storage at 4±2 °C, Enterobacteriaceae were found at an average of 7 to 8.1 log CFU g−1 in all samples, irrespective of the treatment method. Additionally, mould was observed only in wheat and radish sprouts during the assessment period. The study showed that there was no significant reduction in the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, moulds and Enterobacteriaceae then treated with ozone gas.