Celosia Argentea Research Articles

Nutritive and Antioxidant Characteristics of Roasted Leafy Vegetables Consumed in Western C?te d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) have long been recognized as the cheapest and the most abundant potential sources of vitamins and minerals using for fighting against malnutrition. Five leafy vegetables (Abelmoschus esculentus, Celosia argentea, Ipomea batatas, Manihot esculenta and Myrianthus arboreus) that are used for sauce preparation in Western Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) were subjected to roasting in order to evaluate the effect of this non conventional processing method on their nutritive and antioxidant properties. This study showed that longer time (higher than 2 min) of roasting at 180-200°C caused negative impact with nutrient losses but positive impact by reducing anti-nutrients such as oxalates and phytates. The registered losses at 2 min of roasting were as follow: ash (7.47 – 36.65 %), proteins (3.04 – 32.66%), vitamin C (75 – 92.14%), carotenoids (27.34 – 81.94%), oxalates (3.84 – 10.89%) and phytates (0.45 – 15.72%). Roasting processing of the studied leafy vegetables highlighted a significant increase (2.63 to 13.83%) of polyphenols contents coupled with increasing of antioxidant activity. Moreover, after 2 min of roasting processing, the residual contents of minerals were: calcium (202.45 – 542.06 mg/100g), magnesium (123.73 – 467.43 mg/100g), potassium (1209.85 – 3796.16 mg/100g), iron (44.72 – 128.47 mg/100g) and zinc (6.35 – 40.13 mg/100g). All these results suggest that roasting processing (less than 2 min at 200°C) may be used as valuable cooking method of leafy vegetables in order to minimize nutrient losses and to contribute efficiently to the food security of Ivorian population.

Effect of Light Stress on Germination and Growth Parameters of <i>Corchorus olitorius</i>,<i> Celosia argentea</i>,<i>Amaranthus cruentus</i>, <i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> and <i>Delonix regia</i>

Seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus, Amaranthus cruentus, Celosia argentea, Corchorus olitorius and Delonix regia were germinated under light and dark conditions. The germination parameters revealed that germination was higher in seeds of A. cruentus and C. olitorus under light while the seeds of D. regia germinated more in the dark. However, no major difference was observed in the germination of C. argentea and A. esculentus in light and darkness. The above findings point out that germination is species dependent. It also indicated that Amaranthus cruentus and C. olitorius adapt better to light while D. regia adapt better to dark condition. The shade plants of A. esculentus and D. regia were found to be taller than those under direct sunlight. However, seedlings of A. cruentus, C. olitorius and C. argentea were found to be taller those under direct sunlight than in the shade regimes. This could suggest that these plants have higher tolerance of heat with respect to A. esculentus and D. regia. Shade plants of A. esculentus, C. argentea, C. olitorius and D. regia exhibited lower leaf area which is an adaptation to maximize light interception. Higher leaf area was observed in the shade plant of A. cruentus may be an adaptation to maximize the little light available to the plant under shade. These findings revealed plants adaptation to cope with stress in the environment.

Soil characteristics and heavy metal accumulation by native plants in a Mn mining area of Guangxi, South China

Revegetation and ecological restoration of a Mn mineland are important concerns in southern China. To determine the major constraints for revegetation and select suitable plants for phytorestoration, pedological and botanical characteristics of a Mn mine in Guangxi, southern China were investigated. All the soils were characterized by low pH and low nitrogen and phosphorus levels except for the control soil, suggesting that soil acidity and poor nutrition were disadvantageous to plant growth. In general, the studied mine soils had normal organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). However, OM (8.9 g/kg) and CEC (7.15 cmol/kg) were very low in the soils from tailing dumps. The sandy texture and nutrient deficiency made it difficult to establish vegetation on tailing dumps. Mn and Cd concentrations in all soils and Cr and Zn concentrations in three soils exceeded the pollution threshold. Soil Mn and Cd were above phytotoxic levels, indicating that they were considered to be the major constraints for phytorestoration. A botanical survey of the mineland showed that 13 plant species grew on the mineland without obvious toxicity symptoms. High Mn and Cd concentrations have been found in the aerial parts of Polygonum pubescens, Celosia argentea, Camellia oleifera, and Solanum nigrum, which would be interesting for soil phytoremediation. Miscanthus floridulus, Erigeron acer, Eleusina indica, and Kummerowia striata showed high resistance to the heavy metal and harsh condition of the soils. These species could be well suited to restore local degraded land in a phytostabilization strategy.

Efficacy of neem compost on root knot nematode pest of Lagos spinach, Celosia argentea

The effects of neem compost on root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, pest of Lagos spinach, Celosia argentea, cv. TLV 8, was studied during 2010 and 2011 planting seasons on the field. The trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. There were four treatments, replicated five times fitted into randomised complete block design. Neem compost was applied at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes/ha. Experimental plots, where no compost was applied served as the control. The result obtained shows that Lagos spinach treated with neem compost significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the final soil nematode population and root infections (damage), with resultant improvement on crop growth and yield. The result of the chemical analysis of the neem compost revealed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins.

Nematodes associated with three indigenous leafy vegetables commonly grown in inland valley ecology in Nigeria

Field study was conducted between January and June 2011 to determine the plant-parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes associated with three indigenous leafy vegetables (Amaranthus viridis, Celosia argentea and Corchorus olitorius) commonly grown in inland valley by farm practical year students’ trainees at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The 1.76-ha land was laid out in randomised complete block design with four replicates. Six soil cores were taken per replicate and bulked. Two sub-samples weighing 250 g per replicate were assayed for nematodes using WhiteHead and Hemming Tray method. Results revealed the presence of five genera of plant-parasitic nematodes, namely Tylenchus, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne and Rotylenchulus. Populations of Tylenchus differed statistically (p = 0.05) from all others in C. olitorius. The non-parasitic nematodes varied significantly (p = 0.05) among the vegetable types. Galls incited by Meloidogyne spp. were more (p = 0.05) in C. argentea and C. olitorius than A. viridis.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LACTUCA SCARIOLA &amp; CELOSIA ARGENTEA LEAVES.

Antioxidant compounds in food play an important role as a health protecting factor. Primary sources of naturally occurring antioxidants are whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Highly reactive free radicals and oxygen species can initiate degenerative diseases. Antioxidant compounds like phenolic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids are commonly found in plants have been reported to have multiple biological effects, including antioxidant activity. Methanolic leaf extracts of Lactuca scariola Linn and Celosia argentea Linn were assessed for the In vitro Antioxidant activity using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical , Nitric oxide(NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )scavenging models using Ascorbic acid as positive control. Analysis of free radical scavenging activities of the extracts revealed a concentration dependent free radical scavenging activity resulting from reduction in DPPH, Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical. The methanolic extract of Lactuca scariola Linn showed significant DPPH , Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity compared to Celosia argentea Linn extract . IC50 values by DPPH , Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide model for Lactuca scariola and Celosia argentea were found to be 192.5±9.014, 394.2 ±6.009, 434.2±18.78, 233.3±20.73 , 521.4±4.061and 494.2±5.465 respectively.

Evaluation of the maturity of seeds from different sections of inflorescences of Amaranthus cruentus and Celosia argentea

Evaluation of the maturity of seeds from different sections of inflorescences of Amaranthus cruentus and Celosia argentea

Hydrolyzed Organic Fish Fertilizer and Poultry Litter Influence Total Phenolics and Antioxidants Content but Not Yield of Amaranth, Celosia, Gboma, and Long Bean

Dietary intake of a variety of vegetables is very important for disease prevention and may help in the treatment of certain maladies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate yield and the content of antioxidants and phenolics of vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), Celosia (Celosia argentea), Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon), and Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata) in response to poultry litter (PL) and a hydrolyzed fish fertilizer [Megabloom (MB)]. The experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block design with a four × three factorial treatment and four replications. The treatments were applied based on soil test recommendations in a single band 15 to 20 cm away from the plants 1 week after transplanting. Plants were harvested sequentially during the season as foliage and fruits became physiologically mature and once over at the end of the season. Species were analyzed for vitamin C content, total phenolics, and β-carotene content as well as antioxidant capacity. Organic amendments did not significantly influence biomass production, whereas species impacted fresh and dry biomass. Amaranth, Celosia, and Long Bean produced greater fresh and dry biomass than did Gboma. Vitamin C content was highest among Amaranth and Celosia plants receiving nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) compared with the other two treatments, whereas that of Gboma was higher among plants receiving MB.

Effect of mixed cropping and plant extracts on the growth, yield and pest control of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of plant extracts (Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense) on the growth and yield of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) (Cor) under sole and mixed cropping with Amaranthus hybridus (Ama) and Celosia argentea (Cel). The highest percentage increase in plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and stem girth (130.6, 865.0, 220.4 and 114.0%, respectively) was found in untreated Cor + Cel, cypermethrin treated Cor + Ama, cypermethrin treated Cor and A. indica extract treated Cor + Ama, respectively. The highest percentage increase in shoot weight (71.0%), marketable yield (53.9%) and total biomass (51.5%) was in A. indica treated C. olitorius. Extract treatment had no effect on the number of branches at four, five and seven weeks after planting (WAP) in Cor + Ama + Cel; four, five and six WAP in Cor + Cel; four and six WAP in Cor + Ama; as well as four and five WAP in Cor. The highest percentage increase in leaf fresh weight was obtained in cypermethrin treated Cor (53.3%) and Cor + Ama + Cel (52.2%), while the smallest increase was in P. guineense treated Cor (1.1%) and Cor + Ama (2.5%). The activity of A. indica was independent of time of application while P. guineense was not. Among the extract treated groups, the highest percentage increase in shoot weight (71.0%), marketable yield (53.9%) and total biomass (51.5%) was in A. indica treated Cor. The activity of the extracts against insect pests of sole cropped Cor increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with increasing extract concentration. The highest efficiency with the use of P. guineense was 250 g dm-3 at four, five and six WAP (94.0, 92.7 and 90.3%, respectively) and 200 mg dm-3 at seven WAP (81.7%). In the case of A. indica extract, the highest efficiency was found with the use of 200 g dm-3 at four, six and seven WAP (92.7, 85.3 and 100%, respectively). A. indica extract (250 g dm-3) treatment gave the highest efficiency at five WAP (100%).

Evaluations of cytogenotoxic and nutrient composition of three commonly consumed vegetables in south-western Nigeria

Consumption of leafy vegetables provides health benefits but sometimes may turn out to be the cause of certain health problems. Thus, adequate toxicological screening is needed to ensure safety of their consumption. Aqueous extracts of Corchorus olitorius L., Celosia argentea L., and Ocimum gratissimum L. were evaluated for cytogenotoxic effects on Allium cepa L. root cells using 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 part per thousand (ppt), each of the vegetable extracts. The levels of macronutrients (moisture, ash, protein, fibre, fat and carbohydrate) in the vegetables and some minerals (cadmium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel and zinc) of their aqueous extracts were determined. The carbohydrate values were in the order O. gratissimum &gt; C. olitorius &gt; C. argentea with 48.17% as the highest. The values obtained for ash, protein, fat, Mg and Zn contents were in the order C. argentea &gt; C. olitorius &gt; O. gratissimum , with the highest values of 19.98%, 30.79%,, 0.22% ,226.4 mg/L and 2.57mg/L, respectively obtained for C. argentea. The concentration of Cu and Pb were in the order of O.gratissium&gt; C. argentea&gt; C. olitorius with 0.67 and 0.21mg/L obtained for O.gratissium (P&lt;0.05). The aqueous extracts of the three vegetables inhibited root growth and cell division in the A. cepa root tips, with the highest inhibitory effects observed in C. argentea at 50.0 ppt. Induced chromosomal aberrations were significant only at 1.0 and 25 ppt of O. gratissimum, whereas there were no significant differences in aberrant cells in C. olitorius and C. argentea compared to the control. Chromosomal aberrations observed in the treated A. cepa roots include c-mitosis, Chromosome bridge and sticky chromosome. The results showed that the three vegetables have nutritive qualities but with root growth and mitotic inhibitory activities, which were severe in C. argentea. Although the result indicates that chromosomal aberrations might be induced at higher concentrations, the antimitotic potential of the extract of C. argentea may favour its uses in the development of drugs to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells of which investigation is required.

Dietary values of wild and semi-wild edible plants in southern Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical studies have shown that many wild plant species are sporadically consumed alongside regular food sources in developing countries. Many plants of wild and semi-wild origin are consumed in the remote parts of southern Ethiopia. Dietetic values of Ethiopia’s non-crop food plants, though important in prevention of malnutrition and contribution to food security, remains shrouded for lack of chemical information. The chemical composition of popularly used wild edibles in Hamar and Konso (Xonso) of southern Ethiopia was examined. The most preferred 15 semi-wild and wild edible plants were selected using a mix of standard ethnobotanical field methods. Edible parts of target plants were collected with local participants, lyophilized and analyzed for proximate composition, amino acids, minerals and antinutritional factors. The wild edibles constituted good amounts of nutrients essential in human diet. Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) gave 1.5-5.8% ether extractives and total mineral composition of 12.5%-25.6%; Ca being highest (1100 - 3419 mg %) and exceptionally high for Justicia ladanoides (6177 mg %). Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn ranged from 11.7-23.14, 175-2049, 3.4-9.9 and 1.2-3.3 mg %, respectively. All GLVs contained ≥20% protein, highest in Coccinia grandis (36.3%). The latter species and Trigonella foenum-graecum yielded high lysine level. Anti-nutrients of concern include phenolics (158-1564 mg %) and tannins (448-2254 mg %) in GLVs and phenolics (1997mg %) and tannins (6314 mg %) in Ximenia caffra fruits. Total oxalates in mg % were high in Amaranthus graecizans (14067), Celosia argentea (12706) and Portulaca quadrifida (10162). Bulk consumption of monotype edible plant part in one meal may lead to nutritional and health impairment. However, traditional processing methods lower most of the anti-nutritionals and their respective risks. New food composition tables that integrate indigenous knowledge and nutritional content of the semi-wild and wild edibles are recommended. Wild edibles can be considered to improve livelihood security and reduce malnutrition in tune with the Millennium Development Goals aimed at reducing poverty and hunger.

DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERUTILISED CELOSIA ARGENTEA BASED VALUE ADDED PRODUCT AND ITS IMPACT ON HAEMOGLOBIN STATUS OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS

In India, various types of underutilised foods are available seasonally but are not utilised to the extent they should be despite their high nutritive value. Looking into the high prevalence of over- and undernutrition, these underutilised foods can be explored to overcome nutritional disorders. In view of this, the underutilised green leafy vegetable Celosia argentea was analysed for proximate composition, minerals, vitamin content and anti-nutritional factors, using standard procedures. On the basis of nutritional analysis, C. argentea was utilised for the development of value added products. It was incorporated into 3 conventional recipes at different levels. Sensory evaluation of the developed products was done using 9-point hedonic scale. Celosia argentea contains an appreciable amount of iron so it was used in a study to improve the haemoglobin status of adolescent girls. Dehydrated C. argentea leaves at 20% level of incorporation were utilised to enrich “mathri”. 100 adolescent girls (16-18 years), 60 of whom were anaemic, were selected for the study. Dietary intake of the subjects was collected using the 24-hour dietary recall method; anthropometric measurements and clinical signs and symptoms of anaemia were recorded. Supplementation of 100 g “mathri” was administered to the experimental subjects for six weeks. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate and energy content of underutilised C. argentea were found to be 84.39±0.13 g, 3.06±0.05 g, 1.45±0.23 g, 1.25±0.03 g, 0.68±0.04 g, 9.06±0.15 g, 53±0.45 g/100 g respectively. Values obtained for iron, calcium, vitamin C and β-carotene content of C. argentea were 26.48±0.14 mg, 170.6±2.17 mg, 60.6±7.07 mg, 2166±136 µg/100 g respectively. The mean haemoglobin levels of the experimental group and control group were 8.71 g/dl and 9.28 g/dl respectively after supplementation. Due to supplementation, there was significant rise in the weight and haemoglobin levels (14.3%) (P<=0.01) of the subjects in the experimental group, whereas the change in the control group was non-significant. This supplementation of C. argentea based product “mathri” can significantly improve the haemoglobin status of adolescent girls.

Three species of native Thai honey bees exploit overlapping pollen resources: identification of bee flora from pollen loads and midguts from Apis cerana, A. dorsata and A. florea

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the bee flora utilised by the Thai honey bees, Apis cerana, A. dorsata and A. florea in Nan province, northern Thailand, through the identification of pollen grains from their pollen loads and midguts. We compared the pollen grains morphologically to match with local flowering plants and determined their protein concentration using a Bradford assay. The results showed that 8 families and 15 species were found by pollen load analysis whilst 12 families and 25 species were found from pollen grains of the bee midguts. The greatest number of bee flora was found from pollen loads of A. cerana, (11 species), while there were fewer for A. florea (10 species) and the fewest with A. dorsata (6 species). The highest number of bee flora species identified from pollen was found in the midgut of A. cerana, with 19 species, while A. florea had 13 and A. dorsata with only 11. The results show that the major pollen source plants of the three native honey bee species of Thailand were Mimosa pudica L., M. pigra, Celosia argentea L., Zea mays L., Wedelia trilobata L. and Syzygium malaccense L. The protein content ranged from 31.85 ± 0.83 to 48.44 ± 0.81 mg/100 mg pollen. The most abundant pollen source was from M. pudica L., perhaps because of the flower structure, shape, size, long blooming season, wide distribution, high protein concentration (43.31 ± 0.79 mg/100 mg pollen) or a combination of these characteristics.

SEED QUALITY EVALUATION OF FLOWER SPECIES USED IN DRIED FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

The demand for seeds of flower species used in dried floral arrangements has increased in recent years in Croatia, especially among small growers. High quality seed and plant material are extremely important for commercial floriculture. Vigour, germination potential, seed purity, and package content adjusted to package certificate in relation to the individual species, are essential features of flower production. The aim of the present study was to examine seed quality of the flower species traditionally used in dried floral arrangements, available in the Croatian market in 2011. The quality was assessed by standard ISTA seed testing methods. Nineteen samples of seeds were studied in relation to vigour and germination potential, health condition, emergence rate in containers, time of flowering, length of flowering period, authenticity of certified species, plant height, inflorescence colour, length, height and width, and the optimal drying stage for inflorescence and fruit. The study was conducted with two samples of Amaranthus caudatus, Nigella damascene and Celosia argentea var. cristata, four samples of Helichrysum bracteatum and Limonium sinuatum, one sample of Celosia argentea var. plumosa, Ammobium alatum and Gomphrena globosa, and two samples certified as dry flowers of mixed species. The poorest quality feature of all tested seeds was germination, ranging between 0 and 94%. The most frequent fungus present was Alternaria alternate. All species were correctly certified, except of one sample of Celosia argentea var. cristata and Celosia argentea var. plumose. The study suggests that the Croatian flower market should be supplied with seeds of a higher quality.

DETERMINATE OF SOME MAJOR CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN SOME PLANT SPECIES THAT HAVE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY IN THUA THIEN HUE

Objectives: To survey and select of medical plants that are capable of exploiting which determinated of their antibacterial activity and screened the initial characterization of the group of organic substances that have antibacterial effect. Material and methods: Select the 18 medical plants species to screen antibacterial activity on a number of ATCC strains bacteria and the bacteria cause common diseases. One plant has no antibacterial effect used as the control sample that is yam. The selected plant species are 18 medicinal plants used in civil: Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir.; Hyptis brevipes Poit.; Celosia argentea L.; Vitex trifolia L. f. ; Aglaia duperreana Pierre; Bidens pilosa L.; Solanum torvum Swartz.; Heliotropium indicum L.; Chromolaena odorata (L) R.M.King &amp; H.Bob.; Casuarina equisetifolia J.R et G. Forst.; Eichhornia crassipes (Maret) Solms ; Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl.; Lantana camara L.; Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv.; Urena lobata L.; Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.; Scoparia dulcis L.; Streblus ilicifolius (Vidal). Determination of antibacterial activity of each extract by the method of antibiotic sensivity on the ATCC strains bacteria and the bacteria cause common diseases. Identification the group of organic substances by method of screening groups of natural compounds in plants by the characteristic chemical reactions. Results and discussions: Selected some plants have the ability to exploit, can create an abundant raw materials, cheap and easely applying in local that have antibacterial activity. There are 6 medical plants which namely: Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir, Chromolaena odorata (L) R.M.King &amp; H.Bob, Casuarina equisetifolia J.R et G. Forst, Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv, Urena lobata L, Kim phượng Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw that have good antimicrobial activity. Many groups of organic compounds present in these medical plants participate in antibacterial activity as alkaloids, coumarin, flavonoids, heart glycosid, saponins, tannins... Some medical plants have enough of the organic compounds, but some contains only one or several organic compounds that have antibacterial properties. Conclusions: Many groups of organic compounds present in these medical plants participate in antibacterial activity as alkaloids, coumarin, flavonoids, heart glycosid, saponins, tannins...

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of Celosia argentea

Introduction: Celosia argentea Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is a common weed found abundantly in Bhor and Nagar districts of Maharashtra. The plant is traditionally used as an antidote for snake-poison, anti-ulcer and in the treatment of eye diseases, glandular swellings, eczema and constipation. The thorough microscopical details of the plant are not documented in any of the official literature hence the present study was undertaken with the view to establish the monograph of the plant. Materials and Methods: Macroscopy, Microscopy including transverse section, paradermal studies, powder characteristics, physicochemical standards were studied as per the protocol. The plant was also subjected to phytochemical Screening. Results: Microscopy of the leaves showed the thick, cylindrical and collateral vascular strand. The mesophyll tissue consists of adaxial band of vertically oblong cylindrical palisade cells, fan shaped and sandy balls crystals of calcium oxalate and anomocytic stomata. The stem shows unique vascular system sometimes called “anomalous type”. Roots showed presence of primary concentric and secondary radial vascular bundle with distinct medullary rays running through the vascular bundles. The physicochemical parameters were estimated to define the purity limits. The preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and steroids in the aerial parts, seed and root extracts which were confirmed by chromatography. Conclusion: Thus from the above study, it can be concluded that the pharamacognostic and phytochemical data could serve as a base for building the official monograph of the drug required for identification, isolation, synthesis of a new drug development in a ethanopharmacological research.

First Report of Foliar Infection of Cabbage by Phytophthora drechsleri in Argentina.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) is a popular crop grown along the northeast horticultural belt of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. In the summer of 2010, fields in this region remained flooded for long periods due to frequent and intense precipitation (560 mm from January to March). Commercial cabbage crops in the cities of Luján and General Rodríguez developed patches of diseased plants that were stunted and wilted. Affected plants had necrotic areas in the crowns and roots. Symptoms expanded to the upper stems, leaving vascular tissues exposed. During April 2010, samples from 2 fields were brought to the laboratory where the stems were washed thoroughly and disinfected with a 1% bleach solution for 2 minutes. Small pieces (5 mm in diameter) were removed from the lesion edge, plated on V8 agar (V8A) plates, and incubated at 24°C in the dark for 5 days. Four isolates were transferred to V8A using hyphal tips. Morphological studies were performed on the V8A cultures as well as plates flooded with tap water. Sporangia were obpyriform, nonpapillate, persistent, and variable in size, averaging 44 × 28 μm. Each isolate belonged to the A1 mating type when paired with P. capsici tester isolates, CBS 370.72 and CBS 111.334 (Fungal Biodiversity Centre, CBS, Utrecht, the Netherlands). The isolates produced amphigynous antheridia, and chlamydospores were present but scarce. Maximum temperatures for growth (37°C) were also performed. Edited sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA (GenBank Accession Nos. JQ653300, JQ653301, JQ653302, and JQ653303) were compared with Phytophthora sequences available in GenBank using the BLASTN search utility (1) and aligned to the data set of Cooke et al. (2). Sequences of the four isolates (strains 2: R-cai-cuello-col-3, 3: R-cai-cuello-col-18, 4: R-AN-col-1A and 5: R-AN-col-1B) matched 100% with GenBank sequences of P. drechsleri (100% coverage, 100% identity and no gaps). Based on these results, the four Argentinian cabbage isolates were identified as P. drechsleri (3). Pathogenicity tests were completed using three detached heads of mature cabbage plants (B. oleracea var. capitata) for each isolate. A 5-mm colonized mycelial plug of the appropriate isolate was placed on the main vein of the outermost leaves. For the control treatments, three heads were inoculated with non-colonized V8A plugs. The inoculated and control heads of cabbage were incubated in plastic boxes wrapped in black nylon bags at 24°C for 4 days. Broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica) and cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) were also tested following the same procedure. All heads of cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower developed necrotic lesions 2 to 4 cm in diameter and a dark grey color. Control heads of each plant remained green. P. dreschleri was consistently reisolated as described above from the inoculated heads, but not from the control heads. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cabbage as a host for P. dreschleri in Argentina. Frezzi (4) reported this species as a pathogen of Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium, Celosia plumosa, Schinus molle, and Solanum lycopersicum in Argentina in 1950.

English

&nbsp; Water pollution caused by industrial effluent discharges has become a worrisome phenomenon due to its impact on environmental health and safety. Textile industries contribute immensely to surface water deterioration and are categorized among the most polluting in all industrial sectors. For this reason, the toxicity of treated textile effluent was assessed in&nbsp;Celossia argentea&nbsp;by exposing them to effluent-polluted surface water from Ibeshe River. In the present study, parameters investigated includes, growth, photosynthetic pigment content, lipid peroxidation, and metal accumulation. The results showed that treated textile effluent from Nichemtex Company, affected the growth, dry biomass, root development and photosynthetic pigment content of&nbsp;C. argentea. The treated effluent caused 41% growth inhibition while the total chlorophyll decreased by 59.87% in relation to the control plants. Furthermore, it also elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation and heavy metals in the plant. It was therefore implicated that treated textile effluent entering Ibeshe River could cause toxic effects on organisms. It was emphasized that using the water for irrigation and as portable water in its present state is unsafe. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Textile effluent, toxicity, surface waters, growth inhibition,&nbsp;Celosia argentea

EVOLUTION OF NUTRIENTS DURING SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES GROWTH

ISHS XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Emerging Health Topics in Fruits and Vegetables EVOLUTION OF NUTRIENTS DURING SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES GROWTH

Comparison of High Tunnel and Field Production of Specialty Cut Flowers in the Midwest

The U.S. specialty cut flower market has grown over the last several years because stems of many specialty cut flower species cannot be transported long distances and therefore need to be grown regionally. High tunnel production of cut flowers is an alternative to field and greenhouse production that has several benefits. Specialty cut flower species Antirrhinum majus L. ‘Potomac Orange’ and ‘Rocket Red’, Celosia argentea L. var. cristata Kuntze ‘Chief Red’, Dahlia ×hybrida Cav. ‘Karma Thalia Dark Fuchsia’, Dianthus barbatus L. ‘Amazon Neon Cherry’, Eustoma russellianum Salisb. ‘Mariachi Blue’, Helianthus annuus L. ‘Premier Lemon’ and ‘Sunrich Yellow’, Matthiola incana (L.) W.T. Aiton ‘Katz Lavender Blue’, and Zinnia elegans Jacq. ‘Benary Giant Scarlet’ were grown in both field and high tunnel environments in the midwestern United States. High tunnel production resulted in a first week’s harvest of 44.8 (46%), 115, and 21.1 (110%) more stems for Antirrhinum ‘Rocket Red’, Dianthus, and Zinnia, respectively. Compared with field production, high tunnel production yielded a greater number of stems/m2 for Antirrhinum ‘Potomac Orange’, Celosia, Dianthus, and Zinnia and longer stems for Antirrhinum ‘Potomac Orange’ and ‘Rocket’, Eustoma, Matthiola, and Zinnia. For example, high tunnel production yielded 185 (39%) and 192 (59%) more stems/m2 and 12.6 (34%) and 8.9 (32%) cm longer stems for Mathiola and Zinnia, respectively. Other stem characteristics such as inflorescence length and flower width showed more variation among cultivars. Our results indicate that cut flower yield and/or quality of Antirrhinum ‘Rocket Red’, Dianthus, Matthiola, Zinnia, Dahlia, Eustoma, and Helianthus ‘Sunrich Yellow’ and ‘Premier Lemon’ significantly increases when produced in high tunnels located in the Midwest.