Chicory Research Articles

Mathematical model of the process of contact interaction of the copier with the head of the chicory root crop

One of the reserves for improving the quality indicators of haulm harvesters is to improve the technological process of haulm cutting by improving the design of cutters for haulm residues from the heads of root crops. In this regard, the development of new and improved working bodies for trimming the remains of tops from the heads of chicory root crops and studying the influence of the constructive and kinematic parameters of the cutter in order to improve the performance of haulm harvesters is an urgent scientific task. The developed mathematical models of the process of contact interaction of the copier with the head of the chicory root crop are the initial prerequisites for further technological analysis of cutting the remains of tops from the heads of root crops. The final solutions of integral equations will make it possible to justify the main parameters of the pruner based on the conditions of permissible horizontal force and permissible normal stresses, or from the condition of not knocking out root crops from the soil and not damaging root crops.

Raw Chicory Roots Powder has Impact on Various Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer in Male Wistar Rats

Raw Chicory Roots Powder has Impact on Various Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer in Male Wistar Rats

Експериментальні дослідження ширини утвореного валка зрізаної гички коренеплодів цикорію

The search for effective technical solutions and scientific directions for substantiating the rational parameters of the working bodies of hedge cutting devices, which ensure an increase in the production of the strategically important for the leading sectors of the economy of Ukraine (energy - biofuel, food - coffee, pharmaceutical - inulin) culture, or root crops of chicory is a relevant and significant direction research, both for science and practice. The article provides the results of testing the adequacy of the developed analytical model, which functionally describes the process of unloading the cut stubble onto the surface of the harvested field by the transport element (screw conveyor) of the stubble cutting module of the root harvester depending on the parameters of the screw conveyor. Based on the processing of the experimental array of data, the regression equation of the change in the width of the formed swath of cut swath was obtained depending on the input parameters: the speed of the swath harvesting module, the swath yield and the rotation frequency of the screw conveyor. It was found that within the range of variation of the input factors, the speed of movement of the module from 1.6 to 2.4 m/s, the yield of chicory root crops from 120 to 180 t/ha and the rotation frequency of the screw conveyor from 40 to 100 rpm, the width of the formed roll of chopped the width of the swath is in the range from 0.5 to 1.4 m. The difference between the experimental and theoretical values of the width of the formed swath is within 5...10%. The obtained results of scientific research are a further step in the improvement of the methodology for optimizing the rational parameters of the working bodies of root-harvesting machines.

Multispecies swards outperform perennial ryegrass under intensive beef grazing

Decreasing reliance on fertiliser Nitrogen (N) is key to enhancing the sustainability of pasture-based agricultural systems. This study assesses the effect of sward type on annual and seasonal herbage dry-matter (DM) production potential, sown species and unsown species contribution to herbage DM under an intensive dairy-calf to beef system. Three sward types were investigated in a farmlet experiment: Lolium perenne (LP; 205 kg N ha-1 a-1); L. perenne-Trifolium repens (LP-TR); multispecies sward consisting of L. perenne, Phleum pratense, T. repens, Trifolium pratense, Cichorium intybus and Plantago lanceolata (MSS). L. perenne-T. repens and MSS each received 92 kg N ha-1 a-1. Herbage samples were collected for DM production and botanical composition determination at each grazing. Further quadrat sampling was undertaken on three occasions per grazing season (early-, mid- and late-season), to enumerate the unsown species composition of swards and changes in bare ground. Over the course of the two-year study, LP, LP-TR and MSS produced annual herbage DM yields of 9950, 10,650 and 12,600 kg DM ha-1 a-1 respectively, despite reducing fertiliser N application to LP-TR and MSS by 55% compared to LP. The average proportional contribution of grass species to MSS’ herbage DM remained constant, the clover content of MSS increased, while the herb content decreased from 2020 to 2021. Seasonally, the proportional contribution of L. perenne and P. lanceolata to MSS’ herbage DM declined as the grazing season progressed, the contribution of T. repens and T. pratense increased and that of P. pratense and C. intybus remained similar. In LP-TR, T. repens’ proportional contribution to herbage DM increased from 2020 to 2021, while L. perenne’s proportional contribution declined. Seasonally, the proportional contribution of L. perenne to the herbage DM of LP-TR declined as the grazing season progressed, while the proportion of T. repens’ increased. The contribution of dead plant material to herbage DM increased across all swards in the second year but did not differ between sward types. Sward type did not affect the proportional contribution of unsown species by functional group to herbage DM. These results demonstrate that under a relatively-intensive beef grazing system, MSS receiving reduced N compared to LP monocultures, and the same N compared to LP-TR swards, produce more herbage DM, and do not have a greater weed (unsown species) burden. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of MSS to ‘produce more while using less’, a key requirement of sustainable grazing systems.

Bioactive Properties of Instant Chicory Melanoidins and Their Relevance as Health Promoting Food Ingredients.

Instant chicory is a caffeine-free brew worldwide consumed as a coffee substitute. Like coffee grounds processing, chicory roots suffer a roasting process, which may lead to the formation of high-molecular weight nitrogen-brown compounds, the melanoidins. It is hypothesized that similarly to coffee, chicory melanoidins have health promoting potential. In this work, the chemical composition and biological activity of chicory high molecular weight material (HMWM) was evaluated. The chicory HMWM is composed by 28.9% (w/w) of carbohydrates, mainly fructose-rich polysaccharides (18.7% w/w) and 5.7% (w/w) of protein, distinct from coffee. The phenolic compounds constituent of the HMWM were mainly present in glycosidically linked and condensed structures (0.9 g/100 g and 5.8 g/100 g), showing in vitro ABTS•+ scavenging (IC50 = 0.28 mg/mL) and ferric ion reducing capacity (ca. 11 µg Fe2+ eq/mg). Chicory HMWM revealed to be effective against Gram-positive bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, although not so efficient as coffee. It also showed potential to inhibit α-glucosidase activity (15% of inhibition), higher than coffee HMWM, approaching acarbose activity that is used in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Thus, chicory melanoidins, when used as a food ingredient, may contribute to an antioxidant diet and to prevent diabetes, while increasing the protective effects against pathogenic bacteria.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Administered for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia in Bushehr, South Iran

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is recognized as a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal plants possess various biological properties for the treatment of diseases. Hence, the present study was carried out to collect ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal plants used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in Bushehr, South Iran. Methods: This study was performed in Bushehr, South Iran. Ethnobotanical information was collected through interviews and questionnaires among 25 traditional healers. Demographic information was also received from traditional healers. Ultimately, the data were analyzed in Excel. Results: Findings showed that eight medicinal plants from seven families were administrated for the management of hyperlipidemia. Our results also highlighted that the medicinal plants in the Asteraceae family (Cichorium intybus L. and Silybum marianum L. Gaerth.) exerted the most application in the management of hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, it has been concluded that aerial parts were the most usable part of the plant (50%). Seeds (25%), leaves (12.5%), and fruits (12.5%) were other usable parts of the medicinal plants. Moreover, it has been observed that decoction (56.25%) and fresh (43.75%) were the most important types of preparation methods for medicinal plants, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the studied medicinal plants showed beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia. Therefore, further studies about the biological role of active ingredients present in these medicinal plants could increase the acceptance of the use of these herbs.

Enriched pasta incorporating typical vegetables of mediterranean diet: in vitro evaluation of inhibitory potential on digestive enzymes and predicted glycaemic index

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) contain biologically active compounds with proven health benefits. Durum wheat noodle-shaped pasta enriched with dried and powder leaves of chard or chicory, at two different levels of supplementation (3%, 6%) was prepared on a laboratory scale. The content of polyphenols, pigments, carotenoids, in vitro inhibition of digestive enzymes and the predicted glycaemic response of the fortified pasta were evaluated. All formulations showed in vitro enzyme inhibition of amylase, glucosidase, and lipase and a low pGI <43. The lowest predicted glycaemic index (pGI = 34 ± 1.1) was found for pasta enriched with 3% beet powder. The incorporation of Beta vulgaris and Cichorium intybus leaf powders improved the nutritional properties of the pasta and also imparted an attractive natural colour to the products.

Investigation of some endophytic fungi from five medicinal plants with growth promoting ability on maize (Zea mays L.).

This study aimed to identify endophytic fungi from Anthemis altissima, Matricaria parthenium, Cichorium intybus, Achillea millefolium, and A. filipendulina with plant-promoting ability on the ZP684 maize hybrid-cultivar. Plants were collected from northeast-Iran and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified using partial large subunit nrDNA, internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor, and β-tubulin genetic markers. Endophytic fungi that improved seed germination were studied under greenhouse conditions. Ninety-seven endophytic fungi were identified. Preussia africana, Bjerkandera adusta, Schizophyllum commune, Alternaria embellisia, Trichaptum biforme, Septoria malagutii, A. consortiale, Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium avenacearum, and Trametes versicolor significantly improved seed-germination. Alternaria consortiale produced the highest level of indole-3-acetic acid-like compounds and maize growth-promoting. Plant fungal colonization frequency increased with orthometric height. Sampling location Chahar Bagh at 2230 m contained the most endophytic fungi. Fusarium and Alternaria were the most frequently isolated endophytic genera. Therefore, medicinal plants are potential hosts for endophytic fungi that may be suitable biofertilizer agents in agriculture. This study helps to better understand the ecosystem functions by investigating of endophytic fungi distribution under different ecological conditions. Finding effective isolates among these microorganisms with a suitable plant-promoting ability on crops may help to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in an agroecosystem.

Antioxidant Activity of Cichorium intybus Extract in Concomitant Use with Melatonin Against Doxorubicin-induced Nephrotoxicity

Background: Doxorubicin is preferred to cure many malignancies. Its nephrotoxicity is a dangerous nature that is to operate with a warning. Antioxidants accompanied by anticancer could moderate the various side effects. Objectives: Cichorium intybus has nephron-protective effects. Melatonin stands as an antioxidant equivalent to others. The repairing effects of C. intybus-melatonin against the toxicity effects of doxorubicin on the kidneys were studied. Methods: Thirty 20 g to 25 g, balb/c mice were divided into 5 identical groups (n: 6). The research was grouped as control saline; DOX with the injection of doxorubicin; Chicory with the administration of the C. intybus complete extract following DOX; melatonin with the administration of the melatonin following DOX; both: With the administration of the chicory and melatonin following DOX. The histopathological study was set to determine degeneration, inflammation, and necrosis. Results: The mean of each histological phenomenon in the control group was significantly lower than in the DOX group. In the histopathology, we saw that all the treating groups, including C. intybus extract-received, melatonin-received, both of them received improved better than the doxorubicin-received group. The best improving mean was seen in the latter group. The DOX-induced nephrotoxicity could be improved by using the C. intybus extract and melatonin synchronously as therapeutic care. Conclusions: Synchronous administration of the chicory and melatonin has a healing potency against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Influence of predecessors, mineral fertilizers and humate on the infestation of crops with weeds and the yield of chicory roots

Relevance. For the cultivation of environmentally friendly products, the preservation of soil fertility and environmental protection, the question of the prospects for longterm use of various fertilizer systems is very important. With an acute shortage of manure, a mineral-biological fertilizer system is promising, when an estimated dose of mineral fertilizers is applied against the background of annually sown siderates. Such a system of fertilizer application makes it possible to increase yields, product quality, significantly reduce the shortage of organic matter in the soil, improve its structure and biological activity. The inclusion of the employed steam with the most effective precursors, doses of mineral macro and micro fertilizers and humic acids in the rowed link of crop rotation can reduce the contamination of crops and significantly increase the yield of root chicory root crops.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in 2017-2021 located in the Rostov district of the Yaroslavl region.Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that on turf-podzolic medium-loamy soils of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation, it is economically feasible to use technology for the cultivation of root chicory using an oatpea mixture as a precursor in combination with the introduction of mineral fertilizers into the soil at a dose of N60P60K120 and the treatment of vegetative plants with boron and humate. When using this technology, the contamination of crops decreases, their photosynthetic potential and the yield of root crops increases, the cost of production decreases, and the profitability exceeds 104%.

Enzyme-treated chicory for cosmetics: application assessment and techno-economic analysis

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an important industrial crop that produces large quantities of the dietary fiber inulin in its roots. Following inulin extraction, the bagasse is typically used as animal feed, but it contains numerous bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in healthcare and cosmetic products. Here we assessed the antimicrobial properties of chicory biomass pre-treated with various enzymes alone and in combination to release the bioactive compounds and increase their bioavailability. We found that pre-treatment significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of this industrial by-product, yielding an extract that inhibited typical skin pathogens in a cosmetic formula challenge test. We also evaluated the valorization of chicory biomass as a bioactive cosmetic ingredient. Economic feasibility was estimated by combining our experimental results with a conceptual techno-economic analysis. Our results suggest that chicory biomass can be utilized for the sustainable production of efficacious cosmetic ingredients.

Prevention and treatment of diabetes in the Jablanica District (Serbia)

The study on the prevention and treatment of diabetes was conducted on the territory of the Jablanica District, in the municipalities of Leskovac, Vlasotince, Lebane, Bojnik and Medveđa. The research involved 59 respondents, 27 men, and 32 women. Research indicated that waist circumference was an important indicator. The highest values of this parameter were within the people with T2D. Body mass index (BMI) might be an indicator of this disease, too. One-third of people with T2D were with BMI values above 30, which indicates adiposity. Taraxacum officinale (15%), Urtica dioica (11%), Vaccinium myrtillus (10%), Betula pendula (8%), and Mentha x piperita (8%) were the plant species the most frequently cited in the prevention and treatment of diabetes by the respondents. Apium graveolens, Rubus spp., Phaseolus vulgaris, Artemisia absinthium, and Trigonella foenum-graecum were cited in frequency with 3% of respondents’ answers, and with 2% of answers each: Glechoma hederacea, Matricaria chamomilla, Centaurium erythraea, Juniperus communis, Foeniculum vulgare, Inula helenium, Petroselinum crispum, while the following plant species were mentioned in the frequency of 1% of responses: Aronia melanocarpa, Arctium lappa, Helianthus tuberosus, Cichorium intybus, Morus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Rhamnus frangula, Linum usitatissimum. Most of the listed plants were said to be used in tea form, except for the plant species Apium graveolens and Helianthus tuberosus which were used fresh, while Foeniculum vulgare and Rhamnus frangula were used in tincture form.

Hepatoprotective effect of a polyherbal formulation (Aab-e-Murawaqain) against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rat model by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines

This study assessed the hepatoprotective action of Aab-e-Murawaqain in Wistar albino rats by inducing liver injury with carbon tetra chloride (CCl 4 ) (2 mL/kg; sc). Aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum (Makoy) and Cichorium intybus (Kashni) were used to prepare the Aab-e-Murawaqain polyherbal formulation. Silymarin (25 mg/kg), a well-known liver protective medicine, was treated as the reference control group. Biochemical indicators, such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, were used to assess the curative potential. Other common biomarkers, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), were also estimated. Animals treated with CCl 4 exhibited significantly enhanced in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, and TBARS level, reflecting hepatic damage. The formulation considerably minimised the increase serum enzyme levels, indicating the improvement in liver cellular injury. CCl 4 induced significant decrease in GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Pretreatment of the rats with the formulation led to an increase in hepatic GSH, SOD, CAT, protein, and albumin levels. Moreover, CCl 4 administration led to an increase in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, which decreased with polyherbal formulation treatment. The results were validated through histological evolutions, which revealed minimum fatty variations and a noticeable regenerative effect in the livers after treatment with the formulation. The results confirmed that Aab-e-Murawaqain can provide a substantial activity in the management of CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity.

Bio stimulation activity of minerals obtained from an innovative seawater extraction process in the cultivation of vegetable plants

Research objective: This research work aimed to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative process of extraction from seawater on seeded plants of Cichorium intybus and Carthamus tinctorius. Furthermore, it was assessed whether there are differences in the product's potential based on the different types of extraction (lye, soda, soda+silver) and whether there are beneficial interactions with the micro- and mesofauna of the cultivation substrate, with direct and indirect effects on plant mortality. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in August 2022, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy. On October 28, 2022, plant height, leaves number, leaves surface area, vegetative weight, roots volume and length, the number of germinated seeds, average germination time, the number of microorganisms in the substrate, plants dead number and pH were determined. In addition, the SPAD index was measured on three leaves pinched from the bottom to the apex of the canopy of each plant (for a total of 90 measurements per treatment) and tissue mineral content was evaluated on collected dry matter (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Na). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that using FertilTomix, regardless of the mineral extraction process from the sea it contains, can significantly increase seed germination, vegetative and root growth, root length and reduce plant mortality in Cichorium intybus and Carthamus tinctorius. A fascinating aspect noted in the treated theses was also the significant increase in microbial biomass, which certainly had a decisive effect on the development of the seeded seedlings and the reduction in mortality. In this respect, a significant increase in the mineral content in the vegetative tissues of plants treated with FertilTomix was evident. The biostimulant based on Ecklonia maxima also showed significant improvements in all agronomic and microbial parameters analyzed compared to the control but less than the treatment with the sea mineral extracts. Conclusions: The results obtained are particularly interesting for people who have to cultivate in arid environments or without drinking water, as well as those who want to start reducing the use of fertilizers of industrial origin. New experiments are currently underway to evaluate the recycled water obtained from the process of extracting minerals from the sea and assess whether it can be used in agriculture.

Plant Probiotic Endophytic Pseudomonas flavescens D5 Strain for Protection of Barley Plants from Salt Stress

Soil salinity has become a global issue that is directly related to land degradation and results in many changes in climate, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. The present study focuses on the investigation of beneficial properties of a plant probiotic bacterial strain as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to promote crop growth in saline soil. The endophytic halotolerant strain Pseudomonas flavescens D5 isolated from common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was able to grow on a medium containing 15% NaCl; produced indole-3-acetic acid (45.2 μg mL−1) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (1.72 g L−1); and had amylolytic, cellulolytic, and proteolytic activities. Polyhydroxyalkanoate had a pronounced antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, F. solani, F. oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata. Under salt stress conditions, inoculation with Ps. flavescens D5 increased the shoot biomass of barley plants by 8–30%, root biomass by 7–20%, chlorophyll a by 18–52%, and chlorophyll b by 7–15%. The content of proline decreased by 1.5–1.8 times. An increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase) was determined. In inoculated plants growing in saline soil, the content of Na+ ions was lower by up to 54.8% compared to control. This strain is promising for stimulating plant growth and protecting them from diseases and other adverse environmental factors, including salt stress.

Integration of network pharmacology and intestinal flora to investigate the mechanism of action of Chinese herbal Cichorium intybus formula in attenuating adenine and ethambutol hydrochloride-induced hyperuricemic nephropathy in rats

Context Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) formula (CF) has been applied as a folk medicine to treat hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of CF on HN. Materials and methods Through network pharmacological methods, the targets of the active component of CF against HN were obtained. Subsequently, Male Wistar rats were divided into control, HN, allopurinol (50 mg/kg), CF high-dose (8.64 g/kg) and CF low-dose (2.16 g/kg) groups. The HN model was induced via intragastric administration of adenine (100 mg/kg) and ethambutol hydrochloride (250 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. After CF treatment, biochemical indicators including UA, UREA and CREA were measured. Then, HE staining, qRT-PCR and gut microbiota analysis were conducted to further explore the mechanism. Results The network pharmacology identified 83 key targets, 6 core genes and 200 signalling pathways involved in the treatment of HN. Compared to the HN group, CF (8.64 g/kg) significantly reduced the levels of UA, UREA and CREA (from 2.4 to 1.57 μMol/L, from 15.87 to 11.05 mMol/L and from 64.83 to 54.83 μMol/L, respectively), and mitigated renal damage. Furthermore, CF inhibited the expression of IL-6, TP53, TNF and JUN. It also altered the composition of gut microbiota, and ameliorated HN by increasing the relative abundance of some probiotics. Conclusions This work elucidated the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism by which CF protects against HN from the view of the biodiversity of the intestinal flora, thus providing a scientific basis for the usage of CF.

Molecular and Phytochemical Characterizations of Cichorium intybus L. in Diverse Ecogeographical Regions of Kashmir Himalaya

Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) is an important medicinal plant with significant economic potential and has recently gained rapid momentum in the functional food sector. In the present study, soil chemistry, phytochemical, and molecular diversity were assessed for 50 accessions of chicory collected from diverse agro-climatic zones. In total, 64 common metabolites were identified from the leaves of 7 chicory accessions collected from different altitudes and among them, the predominant metabolites included methyl commate B (6.3–10.14%), gamma sitosterol (2.79–9.3%), and 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic-acid (2.55–8.42%). Three terpenoid compounds, viz., betulin, kolavelool and betulinaldehyde, were observed at high altitudes (1790, 1901, and 2172 m) and not observed at low altitudes. Among these compounds, betulin had the highest concentration with an average value of 23.53% followed by kolavelool with 7.37% and betulinaldehyde with 7.21%. For molecular diversity analysis, 12 ISSR primers were selected for PCR amplification and 86 bands were generated with an overall polymorphism percentage of 67.44%. The observed Nei’s genetic diversity (H) and Shannon’s information indices (I) were highest for the Pulwama (CIN-PU) group of accessions (H = 0.222 ± 0.018; I = 0.343 ± 0.027) and lowest for the Baramulla (CIN-BM) group of accessions (H = 0.115 ± 0.019; I = 0.173 ± 0.028). The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis revealed 56% variation existing within the groups and 44% among the groups of chicory accessions. This study shows that chicory populations vary considerably in terms of their molecular and phytochemical composition as a function of their geographic location. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that chicory phytochemical and molecular diversity are significantly influenced by altitude, soil chemistry, and growing conditions. Using metabolomics and altitudinal variation, cluster analysis showed that geographic origin was correlated with diversity patterns.

Intercropping with herbs minimizes cadmium availability through altering physicochemical dynamics and metabolite profiles in wheat rhizosphere

AbstractFor the past few years, the production of safe crops in Cd‐contaminated soil has attracted more and more attention, and the intercropping of wheat and herbaceous plants has gradually become an effective way. However, how the physicochemical and metabolic processes because of the intercropping change Cd availability are still unclear. In this study, we studied the influence of changes in soil physicochemical properties induced by intercropping of wheat with different herbs on soil Cd availability of Cd. Meanwhile, we innovatively studied the effect of intercropping on rhizosphere metabolites and evaluated the impact on Cd transfer. Results showed that the highest wheat biomass was presented in the intercropping system with the Cichorium intybus L. (W4) and Aus hypochondriacus L. (W5) increasing by 57.66% and 54.05% individually, compared with monocropping, while W1, W2, and W3 increasing slightly. Further, the Cd accumulation in wheat grains under W4 and W5 treatment decreased by 44.95% and 43.12%, respectively. Structural equation model confirmed that the increased pH, CEC contributed to the decreased Cd availability in soil, as well the changed metabolic profiles in wheat rhizosphere after intercropping. Specially, up‐regulation of fatty acid metabolism allowed wheat plants to maintain a normal intracellular environment under stress conditions. Similarly, up‐regulation of saccharide and amino acid metabolism induced the accumulation of sugars and proteins, which positively increased wheat biomass and Cd‐binding proteins, thus inhibiting the migration of soil Cd into wheat tissue. Collectively, this study provided reasonable insights towards understanding the metabolic mechanisms how intercropping altered Cd availability.

Influence of Drought Stress on Physiological Responses and Bioactive Compounds in Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.): Opportunity for a Sustainable Agriculture.

Food production from agriculture depends on irrigation, mainly in poor rainfall zones, such as the Mediterranean region. Chicory is an important food crop component of the Mediterranean diet. Considering the increasing incidence of drought due to climate change, this study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of moderate drought stress on photosynthesis, leaf gaseous exchange, growth, and tocol and carotenoid composition of chicory under field conditions. Chicory was subjected to rainfed condition stress in a randomized block design. At 50 days of treatment, drought stress caused about 48% reduction in dry matter, 30% in leaf relative water content, and about 25% in photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, whereas mesophyll conductance was not affected. A strong relationship between photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance was observed. In the rainfed chicory, at the end of treatment, an increase (about 20%) in carotenoid and tocopherol content was found, thus, giving further insight into the positive effect of moderate drought stress on these compounds. This finding suggests that under proper rainfed conditions, it is possible to increase and save the quality of dry chicory, although yield loss occurs.

Bioactive, Mineral and Antioxidative Properties of Gluten-Free Chicory Supplemented Snack: Impact of Processing Conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of chicory root addition (20-40%) and extrusion conditions (moisture content from 16.3 to 22.5%, and screw speed from 500 to 900 rpm) on bioactive compounds content (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, and polyphenols) of gluten-free rice snacks. Chicory root is considered a potential carrier of food bioactives, while extrusion may produce a wide range of functional snack products. The mineral profiles were determined in all of the obtained extrudates in terms of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents, while antioxidative activity was established through reducing capacity, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) tests. Chicory root addition contributed to the improvement of bioactive compounds and mineral contents, as well as antioxidative activities in all of the investigated extrudates in comparison to the pure-rice control sample. An increase in moisture content raised sesquiterpene lactones and minerals, while high screw speeds positively affected polyphenols content. The achieved results showed the important impact of the extrusion conditions on the investigated parameters and promoted chicory root as an attractive food ingredient in gluten-free snack products with high bioactive value.