Foliosum Hegi Research Articles

Significant Accumulation of Iodine and Selenium in Chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) Leaves after Foliar Spraying.

The interactions between the uptake of selenium (as selenite and selenate) and iodine (as iodate and iodide) by red chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) and their effects on selected morphological and physiological characteristics were investigated. Seedlings were transplanted to the field, and at the onset of head formation, the plants were foliar-sprayed with the following solutions: Milli-Q water (control), Se (IV), Se (VI), I (−I), I (V), Se (IV) + I (−I), Se (IV) + I (V), Se (VI) + I (−I) and Se (VI) + I (V). The different treatments had no significant effects on the yield (39.8–51.5 t ha−1) and mass (970–1200 g) of the chicory heads. The selenium content in Se-treated plants was up to 5.5-times greater than the control plants. The iodine content in the chicory leaves enriched with I was 3.5-times greater than the control plants. Iodide or iodate, applied together with selenite in the spray solution, increased the uptake of Se by chicory plants, while both forms of iodine, applied together with selenate, reduced the uptake of Se. Plants treated with I (V) had lower amounts of chlorophyll a and carotenoids than the control, while respiratory potential was higher than the control, which indicated the possible presence of stress in I (V)-treated plants. However, the potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II was similar and close to the theoretical maximum (0.83) in the control and treated groups, which indicated that all of the plants were in good condition. Furthermore, the plant mass and yield were comparable in the control and treated groups. Molecular studies, like gene expression analysis, would represent a major upgrade of the present study by defining the mechanisms of Se and I uptake and their interactions and by enhancing the knowledge of the Se and I transporters.

Evaluation of microbiological and physico‐chemical parameters of retail ready‐to‐eat mono‐varietal salads

An integrated microbiological and physico‐chemical approach was applied to evaluate the decay of mono‐varietal ready‐to‐eat escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) and red chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) during refrigeration. Total mesophilic microorganisms, including pseudomonads, and total psychrotrophic microorganisms were detected at high numbers in all samples just after packaging and at the expiry date. The dominant microbial populations analyzed by classical culture‐dependent methods belonged to Pseudomonas and yeasts. Illumina sequencing identified Janthinobacterium lividum and Pseudomonas veronii as main species. Regarding the physico‐chemical quality between the beginning and at the end of the expiry date, the main differences were found for weight loss, higher for escarole, and titratable acidity and lightness, higher for red chicory. This work showed how the microbiological and physico‐chemical shelf life parameters changed during storage for escarole and red chicory, even though the cold chain was strictly applied and kept under control. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The evaluation of the microbiological, chemical, and physical qualities of mono‐varietal escarole and red chicy during refrigeration indicated how the viable levels of bacteria and yeasts, microbial composition, weight loss, titratable acidity, ascbic acid content, lightness, yellowness, and redness as well as visual quality changed over time. These findings are useful to understand the change of quality parameters of some of the most common vegetable ingredients of mixed salads.

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection for the determination of polar analytes in Belgian endive

Belgian endive (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi), a popular produce in northern Europe, has been thoroughly studied in regard to its bitter sesquiterpene lactones content. Much less is known about on its sweetness and crunchiness, which are typically linked to the content of polar compounds such as sugars, organic acids and salts. Through HILIC-HPLC-MS, it was shown that simple sugars, amino acids, and potassium chloride are abundant in Belgian endive extracts. Subsequently, a HILIC-HPLC-ELSD method for the analysis of such compounds with run times below six minutes was developed. Recoveries varied between 80 and 110% and an average reproducibility was 7.5RSD%. Finally, the method was applied to the study of three difference Belgian endive varieties. Takine, a variety known for its sweet taste, was found to contain significantly higher levels of fructose, and lower levels of potassium and glutamine.

Quality of fresh-cut radicchio cv. Rosso di Chioggia (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) as affected by water jet cutting and different washing procedures

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of water jet cutting (nozzle diameter 0.1 mm, pressure 2,500 bar) versus conventional blade cutting as well as washing (4 °C, 120 s) prior to and after shredding on the quality of fresh-cut radicchio, respectively. For this purpose, fresh-cut radicchio cv. Rosso di Chioggia was produced on pilot-plant scale applying five different processing lines. Throughout storage (4 °C, up to 12 days), O2 and CO2 levels in the modified atmosphere of the consumer-sized sample bags were monitored, as well as phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities, levels of anthocyanins and bitter sesquiterpene lactones (SLs). Furthermore, bacterial viable counts of fresh-cut products and process waters, and the chemical oxygen demand of the process waters were assessed. Throughout storage, water jet cutting did not alter the physiological condition nor the microbiological quality of the fresh-cut produce compared to blade cutting using a newly sharpened blade. Moreover, leaching of SLs through washing was comparable in blade and water jet cut samples. Thus, a similar degree of tissue wounding due to both cutting techniques applied may be assumed. Washing radicchio prior to shredding resulted in reduced leaching of SLs and a lower degree of microbial and organic contamination of the process water. However, compared to conventional washing, pre-washing was slightly less effective in reducing microbial counts on the produce. While levels of anthocyanins remained constant throughout storage, unaffected by different processing, SL profiles substantially changed in samples of all processing lines.

Influence of light exposure during storage on the content of sesquiterpene lactones and photosynthetic pigments in witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi)

Greening of witloof chicory is a major quality defect being commonly associated with increased bitterness. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of light exposure during storage on levels of bitter sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) and photosynthetic pigments in leaves and central axes of two cultivars of witloof chicory. For this purpose, witloof chicory packaged in consumer-sized polyamide bags was stored in the dark (8 °C) and under light exposure (8 °C, 4500 lux), respectively, over a period of 11 days. Throughout storage, O2 and CO2 levels in the modified atmosphere were monitored. Levels of six individual SLs, chlorophyll derivatives and β-carotene in leaves and central axes were assessed by HPLC-DAD-MSn and color measurements were carried out applying the CIE L*a*b* system.Light exposure during storage resulted in a higher respiration of the plant tissue as well as in a marked rise of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves rather than in the central axes. Furthermore, illumination during storage distinctly raised SL levels in the central axes, while SL levels in chicory leaves were less affected.

농약 잔류 시험을 위한 연속수확 엽채소류의 외삽

Abstract This study was carried out to investigate the pesticide residue pattern among different leafyvegetables applied with foliar spraying under greenhouse and to check extrapolating from some residue trialdata to other minor crops. Leafy vegetables used in this study were: Mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.),Kale (Brassica oleracea L.), Dacheongchae (a kind of pak-choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis L.)), Leafbroccoli (Brassica oleracea var alboglabra), Perilla leaf (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. Frutescens), Leaflettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) and Red leaf chicory (Cichoriumintybus L. var. foliosum Hegi). These are cultivated all year under indoor or outdoor and cut the leaf fromplant continuously during harvest time. The amounts of pesticide deposit in/on the continuous harvestingleafy vegetables were affected by the ratios of leaf area to weight. Ratio of perilla leaf was the largest amongcrops as 58 cm 2 /g. The residue levels of 7 pesticides in/on perilla leaf were the highest than those of othercrops through the statistical analysis from zero day to fifth day after last application. The representative cropin 8 crops was perilla leaf selected based on the amounts of daily consumption and the high residues. This studysuggest that the continuous harvesting leafy greens should be separated from the one time harvesting leafyvegetables for the pesticide recommendations because of different harvesting habits and pre-harvest intervals.Key words Extrapolation, Perilla leaf, Leafy vegetables, Pesticide residue, Continuous harvesting

MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURATION IN BELGIAN ENDIVES DURING FIELD GROWTH

Witloof (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) is a biennial plant. As a consequence the production of Belgian Endives (syn. chicory) comprises two phases. During the first vegetative phase, plants are grown in open field from spring till autumn. Only the roots are harvested and subsequently stored at low temperatures in order to induce vernalization. In the second generative phase, the apical meristem of the vernalized root is forced to regrow under dark conditions; this results in the formation of a ‘torpedo’ shaped, etiolated chicory head. Yield and quality of the chicory highly depends on the physiological status of the roots at the time of root harvest and forcing. Determination of the optimal root harvesting time is therefore critical. The current research focuses on the maturation of the chicory roots at the end of the field period. In this respect, root behaviour in forcing and chemical content of the roots at field harvest where linked. Therefore measurements of carbohydrate composition, soluble amino acids and chlorophyll content were executed bi-weekly and linked with physical and physiological characteristics of chicory plants in the field. The maturation process of roots in the field can be registered by determination of chemical elements. In addition we show that monitoring gradients in the root water and pressure potential also indicates physiological maturity of the roots.

Regeneration of transgenic plants from hairy roots of Cichorium intybus L. var. Foliosum Hegi

Transgenic plants containing either ifn-α2b gene encoding human leukocytic interferon or esxA::fbpBΔTMD genes encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens ESAT6 and Ag85B were regenerated from hairy root cultures after transformation of chicory cotyledons (Cichorium intybus L. var. Foliosum Hegi) with a wild-type A. rhizogenes A4 strain. The direct shoot regeneration from transgenic roots without callus formation phase on growth regulator-free nutrient medium was demonstrated. The transgenes transfer and transcription in the plants were confirmed by the results of RT-PCR and PCR analyses.

USE OF NUTRIENTS FROM ORGANIC OR INORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR RED HEAD CHICORY PRODUCTION

The influence of stable manure and mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30 upon the status of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil, their accumulation in plants, yield of red head chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum Hegi) and correlations of the studied parameters were determined during a three-year investigation period (1999-2001). Investigations were conducted on two locations in Croatia, ecologically very suitable for the vegetable crops production. Because of the nature of the research and the crop rotation, the trial was set up on a different area each year. The area selection followed detailed preliminary soil investigations. Trials were carried out according to the Latin design in live treatments: stable manure 5 kg m-2, three rates of complex mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30 (50, 100, and 150 g m-2), and an unfertilized control variant. Investigation results indicate that there were negative significant correlations (r=-0.772, p=<0.001) between nitrogen in the soil and nitrogen in the plant, regardless of fertilizer form and rate. In contrast, the correlation between phosphorus in the soil and in the plant, irrespective of the year and location, was positive and highly significant (r=0.613, p=0.003). An identical relation was recorded between potassium in the soil and in the plant (r=0.478, p=0.0076). Also, a positive and significant correlation was recorded between soil nitrogen and yield (r=0.367, p=0.0458) and soil phosphorus and yield (r=0.367, p=0.0462), whereas the correlation between soil potassium and yield was positive and highly significant (r=0.485, p=0.0066). Results indicate that there were no significant differences in chicory yield between fertilization with 100 and 150 g m-2 mineral fertilizer NPK 5-20-30. The highest yield was 3.73 kg m-2 in 1999 at Lika location.

QTL analysis of important pith characteristics in a cross between two inbred lines of chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum): a preliminary study

AbstractThe genetic basis of pith characteristics in chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) was investigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped in an F2 population (565 F2 plants) derived from a cross between two inbred chicory lines. A molecular marker linkage map of this cross had previously been constructed based on 129 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Each F2 plant was selfed and plant characteristics were measured in the F3 populations. Although variation in pith characteristics was largely environmentally influenced, QTL for the characteristics length of pith, browning of the pith, hollow pith and apple pith were detected in many linkage groups. Interactions between QTL were found for the three characteristics: pith length, browning of the pith and hollow pith. The QTL detected confirmed the early forcing suitability of the one parent inbred line and late forcing suitability of the other.

Construction of a genetic linkage map for witloof (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi)

AbstractA genetic linkage map based on an intraspecific cross between two inbred lines of witloof‐chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) has been constructed. In total, 129 RAPD markers were scored in 565 F2 plants. Grouping of these markers at a LOD of threshold 4.0 resulted in nine linkage groups, which is equal to the chicory haploid genome. The nine linkage groups covered 609.6 cM. All 129 RAPD markers were linked to one of the nine groups. Three RAPD markers could not be mapped. Out of the 126 remaining RAPD markers, 18 showed segregation distortion with significance value of P &lt; 0.01.

Occurrence of Lily mottle virus in Escarole.

Lily mottle virus (LMoV), genus Potyvirus, an important virus of lily that also causes flower-breaking in tulip (1), is considered to have a natural host range restricted to the family Liliaceae. In 1996, escarole (Cichorium endivia L. var. latifolium LAM) plants growing in fields close to Torino, Italy, and showing mosaic and necrotic spots on outer leaves were infected by a potyvirus related to LMoV. The virus was identified by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) done on experimentally infected Nicotiana benthamiana and Chenopodium quinoa. The virus isolated from escarole (LMoV-E) had an experimental host range similar to that of lily isolates of LMoV, although species within the Liliaceae were not tested. LMoV-E systemically infected all nine escarole cultivars and six of seven endive cultivars (C. endivia L. var. crispum LAM) but did not infect any of six lettuce and two chicory cultivars (C. intybus L. var. foliosum HEGI). Symptoms ranged from mild to severe mosaic and were generally more severe on escarole than on endive. Some of the same escarole, endive, and lettuce cultivars were inoculated with a typical LMoV isolate from lily (Le97/49, from A. F. L. M. Derks, the Netherlands), which induced mild systemic infections in only one escarole and one endive cultivar. Both cultivars were also susceptible to LMoV-E. LMoV-E was purified from N. benthamiana, and an antiserum was prepared. IEM decoration titer experiments were done with LMoV-E and four other LMoV isolates from Liliaceae and their homologous antisera. Heterologous titers ranging from identity to serological differentiation index values of 2 to 4 were obtained, confirming the identity of the escarole isolate as a LMoV strain and indicating considerable serological variability among LMoV isolates. In a field survey of endive and escarole crops in 1998, in the area where LMoV-E was first identified, the virus was again detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 4 of 80 escarole plants tested. LMoV-E appears to be a LMoV strain particularly adapted to escarole. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LMoV identified in a naturally infected host outside monocotyledonous plants. Reference: (1) E. L. Dekker et al. J. Gen. Virol. 74:881, 1993.

IDENTIFICATION OF CICHORIUM INTYBUS L. AND THEIR PHENETIC RELATIONSHIP REVEALED BY RAPDS

Hydroponic forcing is commonly used to produce F1 hybrids of chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi). A reliable method for cultivar identification in chicory is necessary at the seed and root level (protection of the chicory grower) as well as on the head tissue (protection for consumer and export). Cultivars cannot be distinguished from each other using morphological characteristics. Genetic polymorphism, generated by the use of RAPD markers, was tested in its efficiency for cultivar identification. RAPD analysis was performed on 24 commercial F1 hybrids used in hydroponic forcing (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi), 10 chicory cultivars for traditional forcing in soil, 2 red chicory cultivars (Cichorium intybus L. var. endivia), 4 industrial chicory cultivars used for inulin production (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum) and 7 green-hearted chicory cultivars (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum). Based on 23 primers, it is now possible to separate the different chicory varieties and cultivars. Although a high similarity between chicory cultivars and varieties does exist, clear grouping of the different Cichorium intybus L. varieties was observed. It was concluded that RAPD is a valuable technique for cultivar identification in chicory especially for positive identification.

Use of Chicory Root Explants In Vitro as a Model for the Induction of Different Stem Types

Summary Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) root explants were cultured in vitro under various photoperiodic regimes. Four specific stem types were detected. Under long-day conditions, flowering-stems with side branches, green expanded leaves and flower buds were initiated. Under complete darkness, white etiolated stems without expanded leaves and without flower buds were observed. When cultures were transferred from darkness to long-day conditions after at least 10 days, white etiolated stems with green expanded leaves on top were obtained. Daily application of far-red light on dark cultures led to the initiation of white stems with expanded white leaves. A fifth stem type, a green stem with expanded leaves and without flower buds, was discerned following application of gibberellin A on vegetative shoot tips initiated on chicory root explants in vitro , cultured under short days. The use of this model for further study of stem and flower induction in chicory, on the physiological as well as on the molecular biological level, is discussed.

Evaluation of three herbaceous index plant species for bioavailability of soil cadmium, chromium, nickel and vanadium

Uncultivated plants growing on disturbed sites may be useful for assessing the bioavailability of some metals in soils, and thus the potential for metal mobilization up the terrestrial food chain, an important element in ecological risk assessment. A planted chicory cultivar (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi.) and the uncultivated plants horseweed (Canada fleabane) (Erigeron canadensis L.) and dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium (Lam.) Small) were evaluated for their ability to act as index plant species for soil Cd, Cr, Ni, and V at two field sites where these metals had been applied five yr previously to two highly weathered sandy Ultisols. Soil Cd was available to all analyzed plant tissues of all three plant species at both sites, particularly on the sandier Blanton soil. Chicory was an effective index plant for Cd on the finer textured Orangeburg soil but functioned as an indicator plant (toxicity symptoms were observed) on the sandier Blanton soil. Horseweed and dogfennel were effective index plants for Cd in both contaminated soils. Soil Cr, Ni, and V were less bioavailable than soil Cd and plant metal uptake was more sensitive to residual soil Cr, Ni, and V than was soil extraction with double acid. Horseweed and chicory may have potential as index plants for soil Cr. Chicory may have potential as a Ni index plant. Chicory and dogfennel may have potential as V index plants.

Fluorescent Pseudomonas Isolates Pathogenic on Witloof Chicory Leaves

AbstractNineteen phytopathogenic fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates were isolated from diseased witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi). They were compared with six Ps. fluorescens strains from culture collections, using SDS‐PAGE of total cell proteins. The fluorescent pseudomonads examined showed seven different fingerprint types. The major group of phytopathogenic fluorescent pseudomonas revealed a fingerprint type which was frequently found on healthy chicory roots and leaves too. Some, but not all, of the isolates from healthy plants produced typical disease symptoms upon artificial inoculation of etiolated chicory leaves. Infectivity titrations showed a reduced efficiency of the latent pathogen PGSB‐7228 to cause disease symptoms on the chicory leaves. The virulence of the latent pathogen is induced in the presence of wounded chicory tissue.

Internal browning of witloof chicory (Cichorium intybusL.)

SummaryRecently several types of discoloration have been observed in heads of new cultivars of witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi), which considerably reduced their market value. One, investigated using light microscopy, involved brown discolorations of the central part of the stem (core browning). Core browning has two symptoms. One is expressed in spot-like discolorations of the spongy parenchymatous core tissue, the other becomes evident in discoloration of a layer of the parenchyma, subdivided into shorter cells at an earlier stage. The development of symptoms is described and their relation with calcium-related disorders are discussed.

The composition of the rhizosphere of chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi)

The bacterial composition of the chicory rhizosphere (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) was examined at four different growth stages in the field and also after 1 month storage of the roots. Based on protein fingerprints (SDS – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total cell proteins) 233 isolates were grouped into 117 different groups. Forty percent of the isolates belonged to one of three groups: CH001, CH002, or CH213. Fingerprint type CH001 and CH002 were comprised of fluorescent pseudomonads. Fingerprint type CH213 was identified as Alcaligenes paradoxus. Fingerprint type CH213 strains, normally isolated early in the growing season, were inhibited in vitro by fingerprint type CH001 strains which appeared later in the growing season. Gram-negative isolates were predominant among the remaining fingerprint types: Pseudomonas paucimobilis, Xanthomonas maltophilia, Agrobacterium radiobacter, and Flavobacterium spp. A few Gram-positive isolates were found at the beginning of the growing season, i.e., Bacillus spp. and Streptomyces spp. The production of antifungal compounds was restricted to the 11 isolates among which were fluorescent Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. Twenty-four fluorescent pseudomonad isolates from the rhizosphere were pathogenic on chicory leaves.