Quality Of Cabbage Research Articles

Controlled atmosphere as cold chain support for extending postharvest life in cabbage

Postharvest management of cabbage relies on high-intensity cooling to control postharvest physiology, minimising quality loss despite incurring significant energy and environmental costs. As an alternative, we hypothesised that controlled atmosphere (CA) could allow increased storage temperature by supporting physiological regulation, while maintaining quality and reducing energy demand. This study examined the effect CA (1.5 kPa CO2 and 6 kPa O2) at 5 or 10 °C on cabbage quality, with the aim of proposing a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. CA treatment was effective at reducing head respiration at higher temperature, with CA/10 °C treatment achieving lower respiration rates than Control/5 °C. Improved head colour retention and maintenance of stump quality were observed in cabbage under CA conditions. CA effects were seen also at a regulatory level; CA promoted an average of 25.4% reduction in abscisic acid accumulation potentially as part of a wider hypoxia stress response and was successful in decreasing expression of the senescence-coordinating transcription factor BoORE15. This finding was linked with a lower in downstream expression of pheophytinase and subtilisin protease. These results demonstrated that CA treatment fundamentally modified postharvest physiology in cabbage, which can be exploited to enable storage at warmer temperatures, contributing to supply chains with lower energy demand and its associated environmental benefits.

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

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) hybrids

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) hybrids

Effect of different organic sources and time of manuring on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Instructional cum Experimental Farm, Nagaland University, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema campus to evaluate the “Effect of different organic sources and time of manuring on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracaea var. capitata). The experiment consisted of 15 treatments laid out in RBD with three replications. Result of the experiment clearly revealed that application of 75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT obtained maximum growth parameters, quality parameters and yield parameters with plant height (29.69 cm), stem diameter (2.73 cm), plant spread (50.37 cm), head compactness (34.70 cm), ascorbic acid content (9.16 mg 100-1g) and protein content (2.53%), head diameter (13.48 cm), head size (152.41 cm2), gross head weight (1416.67 g), net head weight (865.03 g), yield per plot (10.36 kg) and projected yield per hectare (24.03 t). Highest available N (301.66 kg ha-1) was recorded in T15 (RDF) while T4 (100% N through FYM 10 days before transplanting) recorded the maximum available phosphorous (49.45 kg ha-1). Maximum available potassium (218.89 kg ha-1), organic carbon (2.63%) and CEC (14.66 meq 100-1g) were recorded from T3 (75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT). Economics of treatments was calculated and T3 (75% N through VC one day before transplanting + 25% N through VC 20 DAT) recorded highest net return (Rs 5,03,900).The above findings suggest that the application of vermicompost can be effectively used for obtaining higher yield, improve soil fertility and higher net returns for organic cabbage cultivation.

Nondestructive evaluation of harvested cabbage texture quality using 3D scanning technology

Current nondestructive methods for evaluating the texture quality of leafy vegetables have limitations due to their complicated leafy structure. In this study, a promising solution was proposed using 3D scanning technology to nondestructively assess the texture quality of leafy vegetables, and the harvested cabbages were chosen as the experimental samples. The cabbages were scanned to extract the morphological traits, especially for surface features of vein distribution. Results demonstrated that morphological traits exhibited better correlations with texture indices compared to traditional compression features. Texture indices were well predicted based on the XGBoostR algorithm with high R2 values of over 0.89 and low RMSE values. The texture quality of cabbages at different harvesting times analyzed by linear discrimination analysis also showed well-discriminative results with an accuracy exceeding 98.3%. These results successfully indicated that 3D scanning technology was effective in evaluating the texture quality of cabbages, showcasing its potential in the nondestructive texture evaluation of leafy vegetables.

Effect of Mineral Fertilization and Microbial Inoculation on Cabbage Yield and Nutrition: A Field Experiment

Cabbage serves as an important food and nutrition source for numerous communities in the world, yet its production requires substantial quantities of chemical fertilizers. In this study, we assessed the impact of both increasing nitrogen and phosphorus mineral (NP) fertilization, along with the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the N and P uptake, quality, and yield of cabbage. To this end, we conducted two consecutive field experiments following a randomized block design with four replicates and two factors: NP doses and PGPB inoculation. PGPB inoculation used a bacterial consortium comprising Azospirillum brasilense D7, Herbaspirillum sp. AP21, and Rhizobium leguminosarum T88. Our results showed a significant influence of both biofertilization and NP fertilization across both crop cycles; however, no interaction between these factors was observed. In the first crop cycle, 75% of NP mineral fertilization (equivalent to 93.6 kg ha−1 of N and 82.1 kg ha−1 of P) positively impacted yield and N uptake. Also, microbial inoculation significantly influenced crop yield, resulting in a 9-ton increase in crop yield per hectare due to biofertilization. In the second crop cycle, we observed a significant positive effect of mineral fertilization on cabbage yield and nutritional quality. The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) index showed that combining biological fertilization with 50% and 75% of the NP fertilization, respectively, increased yield by 66% and 48% compared to the commercial NP dosage without PGPB. Collectively, our results demonstrated that within our experimental setup, NP fertilization dosage can be reduced without any detrimental impact on yield. Moreover, biofertilization could enhance cabbage quality and yield in field conditions.

Effect of biofertilizers and manures on growth, yield, and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

“Effect of biofertilizers and manures on growth, yield and quality of cabbage.” Examining, identifying, and summarising the key results and conclusions of a study on the impact of different organic amendments on the development and production of cabbage crops was the aim of the current investigation. Investigating the effects of various organic additions on soil characteristics, plant development, and cabbage production was the goal of the study. These amendments included compost, manure, and biochar. Plant growth, nutrient availability, and soil fertility may all be considerably enhanced by adding organic amendments, according to the study’s findings. While biochar amendment had a negligible influence on soil fertility, compost and manure additions were shown to be the most efficient in enhancing soil characteristics. Cabbage production was further increased by the application of organic amendments; the plots treated with compost yielded the best yields. The study comes to the conclusion that using organic amendments to improve soil fertility and crop output in cabbage farming can be a sustainable and successful strategy.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Cabbage var Golden Acre under Medziphema Condition

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under foothill of Nagaland during rabi season of 2021-2022 at the Experimental Farm of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University. During the study, 14 treatments and three replications were assessed in RBD. Results revealed that integration of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers or either alone significantly increased the yield, yield attributes and economics of cabbage over control. Among the various treatments, application of 25% NPK + 75% FYM + Biofertilizers (T8) showed maximum head diameter (13.18 cm), head size (147.11 cm2), gross head weight (1410.00 g), net head weight (694.67 g), head compactness (43.27 cm), yield per plot (11.10 kg) and yield per hectare (256.85 q). The highest net return of Rs 6,53,495/- and the highest cost benefit ratio of 5.58 was obtained from treatment T8 (25% NPK + 75% FYM + Biofertilizers). Thus, T8 can be suggested as an effective INM for getting higher yield and net return of cabbage var Golden Acre under foothill of Nagaland.

Examining the Optimal Amount of Moringa Leaf Extract to Improve the Morphological and Inner Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Moringa leaves contain a proper amount of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, hormones, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Therefore, it is applied as a natural, inexpensive, and simple-to-make biostimulant to boost nutritional value and growth parameters in a variety of plants. The main purpose of this study is to determine the optimal concentration of Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract (MLE) as an effective biostimulant to improve nutritional and physical quality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). To do this, three concentrations of MLE (6, 8, and 10%) were foliar sprayed to the plant leaves at a rate of 25 mL plant−1 for every two weeks from transplantation till harvest, while control plants (Ø) were sprayed with distilled water only. Our results show that MLE greatly increased cabbage growth, nutrient content, pigment content, and nutrient absorption, while a high concentration of 10% MLE could also significantly reduce nitrate content in cabbage leaves. In comparison to the control plants, sprays of 6%, 8%, and 10% MLE reduced nitrate content by 23%, 14%, and 12%, respectively. However, the lowest nitrate content was found for the plants sprayed with 6% MLE. Except for the dry matter, all the growth parameters, mineral content, and pigment content were significantly higher after spraying with 10% MLE, while better vitamin C and lower nitrate were found in the plants treated with 6% MLE. A Pearson correlation reveals that head weight has a positive correlation with head diameter, head height, chlorophyll a, and carotenoids at p levels of 0.01 and a positive correlation with chlorophyll b and vitamin C at p levels of 0.05. Vitamin C and dry matter, on the other hand, had a negative connection with nitrate content.

SELENIUM-CONTAINING BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOSITE FORMULATIONS AS EFFECTIVE GROWTH REGULATORS FOR IMPROVING SOWING QUALITY OF SEEDS AND MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WHITE AND PURPLE CABBAGE HEADS

Abstract. Purpose. To analyze regulatory effects of selenium-containing biologically active formulations manufactured in Ukraine on the sowing quality of seeds and on morpho-biological parameters (level and uniformity) of productive organs (heads) in varietal populations of cabbage plants. Methods: General scientific, measuring, weighing, and variation statistics. Results. The regulatory effects of selenium-containing composite formulations, D-8SЕ and D-АМSSЕ, were tested on three white cabbage varieties (Kharkivska Zymova, Ukrainska Osin, and Bilosnizhka) and one purple cabbage variety (Paleta). D-AMSSE was more effective; the cabbage varieties differently responded to its application, depending on genotypes, however they similarly increased the head weight (by 22–23 %). An analogous pattern was observed for head density (it increased by 13-22 %). In the control, there was a medium or strong correlation between the head weight and head volume. Depending on treatment with the studied formulations, a stable increase in the Pearson's pairwise correlation coefficient (rp) was noted for the four cabbage varieties (rp = 0.55...0.95). D-8SE and D-AMSSE positively affected the sowing qualities of cabbage. A statistically significant increase in the seed germination energy by 8.99–15.64 %, laboratory (by 10.25–19.18 %) and field (by 13.05–23.24 %) germination abilities was observed in the four varieties. Conclusion. Tests of D-8SЕ and D-АМSSЕ confirmed theirhigh efficiency as growth regulators to optimize the growth of apical meristems of cabbage plants, making formation and maturation of heads more even and uniform within the varietal populations. D-8SE and D-AMSSE beneficially affected the sowing quality of cabbage compared to the standard growth regulator - gibberellic acid (GA3). In particular, for Kharkivska Zymova, there was 0.80- to 1.23-fold advantage of the composite formulations in the field germination ability. In Ukrainska Osin, this there was a 1.38- to 2.05-fold

Effects of Light Intensity and Photoperiod on the Fresh Locking and Quality of Hydroponic Arugula in the Harvesting Period

At present, the research on the light environment of arugula mostly stays in its emergence and growth stage and there is a lack of research on the fresh-keeping quality of hydroponic arugula under light treatment during the harvest period. This study takes hydroponic arugula as the research object and explores the influence of light intensity and photoperiod on the fresh-keeping quality of arugula during the harvest period. With light intensity and photoperiod as experimental factors; and fresh weight, water content, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, nitrate, and cellulose content of arugula during harvest as experimental indicators, combined with sensory evaluation methods, a two-factor completely random experiment was completed. The experimental results show that medium and high intensity light treatment effectively enhances the fresh-keeping ability of arugula during the harvest period, which is conducive to reducing the decline in leaf fresh weight and water content caused by aging of arugula and delaying the decline in quality of arugula; 3 h and 6 h photoperiods can significantly delay the decomposition of chlorophyll in hydroponic arugula during harvest, reduce the loss of soluble sugar, inhibit excessive accumulation of nitrate, and slow down the production of leaf cellulose; and LED red-blue composite light irradiation is conducive to maintaining the sensory quality of hydroponic arugula during harvest. Among them, the sensory quality of cabbage leaves under 200 μmol·m−2·s−1 light intensity and 6 h photoperiod treatment is the best. This study provides an important theoretical basis for improving the quality and yield of hydroponic arugula and provides a strong basis for setting intelligent environmental lighting in artificial light-type plant factories.

Impact of Various Organic Manure and Age of Seedling on Yield and Quality of Hybrid Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

An investigation entitled “Impact of Various Organic Manure and age of Seedling on Yield and Quality of Hybrid Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under field conditions was conducted in winter season of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 at Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, (U.P.), India. The investigation was laid out in Factorial RBD with eighteenth treatments replicated three times with spacing 60×45 cm. The eighteenth treatments combinations were T1:FYM 0 t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D1 25th , T2:FYM 0 t/ha + VC 10 t/ha D1 25th , FYM 0 t/ha + VC 15 t/ha D1 25th , T4:FYM 10 t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D1 25th , 5:FYM 10 t/ha + VC10 t/ha D1 25th , T6:FYM 10 t/ha + VC 15 t/ha D1 25th , T7:FYM 15 t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D1 25th, T8:FYM 15 t/ha + VC 10 t/ha D1 25th , T9:FYM 15t/ha + VC15 t/ha D1 25th, T10:FYM 0 t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D2 35th, T11:FYM 0 t/ha + VC10 t/ha D2 35th T12:FYM 0 t/ha + VC 15t/ha D2 35th, T13:FYM 10t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D2 35th, T14:FYM 10 t/ha + VC10 t/ha D2 35th, T15:FYM10 t/ha + VC15 t/ha D2 35th, T16:FYM 15 t/ha + VC 0 t/ha D2 35th, T17:FYM 15 t/ha + VC 10 t/ha D2 35th and T18:FYM 15t/ha + VC 15 t/ha D2 35thDAT. Among various treatments T1 (RDF) proved to be significantly superior over rest of the treatments as it registered maximum growth parameters. Maximum Net head weight (g), Polar diameter (cm), Equatorial diameter (cm),Whole plant fresh weight in (kg), Gross head yield (t ha-1) and Net head yield (t ha-1), Moisture in leaf, Ascorbic acid (mg/100g) and TSS (0Brix) was obtained in T18:[FYM 15t/ha + VC 15 t/ha D2 35th], which further improved the yield and quality of cabbage and also gave maximum returns as compared to other combinations.

Effect of Nano-DAP on Soil Characteristics and Qualities of Cabbage

An investigation was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, A.A.U., Jorhat during 2021-2022 to study the effect of nano-DAP on quality and soil characteristics of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. The quality and soil characters showed significant differences among the treatments. The maximum compact heads (39.84) were obtained in T3 and among nano-DAP treatments (29.88) in T7. Observations recorded at harvesting stage showed highest number of wrapper and non-wrapper leaves at T12 (16.80) and T3 (31.93). Leaf chlorophyll content was maximum in T11 (1.36 mg/g fw), T5 (1.65 mg/g fw) and T7 (1.66 mg/g fw) at 30, 60 DAT & at harvest. N content in leaves was highest in T10 (3.62%), T3 attained the maximum P (0.46%) and K (3.95%). The maximum available NPK in soil was obtained in T9 (291.03 kg/ha), T13 (20.88 kg/ha) and T4 (95.04 kg/ha). Thus nano-DAP can be a good economic and eco-friendly alternative to conventional inorganic fertilizers, reducing the quantity of application while sustaining the quality of the produce.

Pig manure biochar for contaminated soil management: nutrient release, toxic metal immobilization, and Chinese cabbage cultivation

Pig manure could be an effective fertilizer source for soil, but with high concentrations of xic elements. It has been shown that the pyrolysis method could largely reduce the environmental risk of pig manure. However, the comprehensive analysis of both toxic metals immobilization effect and environmental risk of pig manure biochar applied as a soil amendment is rarely addressed. To address the knowledge gap, this study was carried out with pig manure (PM) and pig manure biochar (PMB). The PM was pyrolyzed at 450 ℃ and 700 ℃, the corresponding biochar was abbreviated as PMB450 and PMB700, respectively. The PM and PMB were applied in a pot experiment growing Chinese cabbage (Brassica rape L. ssp. Pekinensis) with clay-loam paddy soil. The application rates of PM were set at 0.5% (S), 2% (L), 4% (M) and 6% (H). With the equivalent mass principle, PMB450 and PMB700 were applied at 0.23% (S), 0.92% (L), 1.84% (M), 2.76% (H), and 0.192% (S), 0.7% (L), 1.4% (M), 2.1% (H), respectively. Parameters of Chinese cabbage biomass and quality, total and available concentrations of toxic metals in soil, and soil chemical properties were systemically measured. The main results of this study showed that compared with PM, PMB700 was more effective than PMB450, which induced the highest reductions of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd contents in cabbage by 62.6%, 73.0%, 43.9%, and 74.3%, respectively. Both PM and PMB increased the total contents of metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) in soil, and PMB decreased the mobility of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd at high application rates (≥2%). Treatment with H-PMB700 reduced CaCl2 extractable Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd by 70.0%, 71.6%, 23.3%, and 15.9%, respectively. For Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd fractions with BCR extraction, PMB treatments, especially PMB700, were more effective than PM in decreasing the available fractions (F1 +F2 +F3) at high application rates (≥2%). Overall, pyrolysis with high temperature (e.g., 700 ℃) could significantly stabilize the toxic elements in PM and enhance PM’s effect on toxic metals immobilization. The marked effects of PMB700 on toxic metal immobilization and cabbage quality improvement might be attributed to high ash contents and liming effect.

Exploring Effects of Exogenous Selenium on the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element in human and animal health. Approximately 0.5–1 billion people worldwide are facing Se deficiency which can result in various endemic diseases. Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables and can accumulate Se through biofortification. Therefore, producing Se-enriched cabbage may be an effective method to alleviate Se deficiency. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of selenite application on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage were investigated and the results showed that the growth of cabbage was promoted at low concentrations of selenite (0.1–0.4 mmol/L) but inhibited at high concentrations (0.8–1.6 mmol/L). Concentrations of 0.1–0.2 mmol/L of selenite induced the accumulation of primary metabolites (soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and free amino acids), representative secondary metabolites (ascorbic acid, glucosinolates, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids), and important antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) activity to improve the nutritional quality of cabbages. In addition, a higher concentration (0.8–1.6 mmol/L) of selenite proved beneficial in the accumulation of total Se and representative organic Se in cabbages. The main organic Se species in cabbage were selenomethionine (SeMet), accounting for 12.10% of total Se, followed by selenocysteine (SeCys2), accounting for 2.96% of total Se. It is suggested that an appropriate dose of exogenous selenite could be selected for different production purposes in cabbage cultivation. These findings are helpful for us to deeply understand the effects of selenite on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbages and to provide reliable technical support for vegetable cultivation and Se biofortification.

Impact of Some Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Productivity and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L)

Impact of Some Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Productivity and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L)

Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) responses to phytase enzyme purified from Lactobacillus coryniformis application.

In order to increase the quality and yield of ornamental plants, especially potted ornamental plants, it is necessary to enrich the physical properties of the growing medium and to ensure the continuity of the growing medium. In order to achieve this, organic substances that create a serious cost in ornamental plant cultivation are added to the growing medium. This study was planned to assess the role of inoculation of different levels in the seeds and soaking times of purified phytase, on the plant growth and ornamental plant decorative values in ornamental cabbage plants under nutrient limiting condition in greenhouse. Different doses (E0 : 0 EU, E1 : 5 EU, E2 : 10 EU), soaking times (W15 : 15min, W30 : 30min, W60 : 60min), and their combinations (W15 + E0 , W15 + E1 , W15 + E2 , W30 + E0 , W30 + E1 , W30 + E2 , W60 + E0 , W60 + E1 , W60 + E2 ) of phytase enzyme purified and isolated from the Lactobacillus coryniformis were applied to ornamental cabbage seeds, and they were sown in plug trays filled with appropriate growing medium. Seedlings were planted in plastic pots during their period when the seedlings had four to five true leaves. Treatments of phytase enzyme purified and isolated from the microorganism generally improved the observed parameters. The application of, especially, the highest level of phytase enzyme doses increased the plant height, main stem height, and stem diameter of ornamental cabbage as compared to control (E0 treatment: distilled water). While the highest number of leaves per plant was obtained at E1 and E2 application doses and W30 and W60 soaking times; the highest stem diameter was obtained at E2 application doses and W30 and W60 soaking times. The present study clarified that the purified phytase enzyme can increase ornamental cabbage quality at the appropriate concentration and soaking time and is a promising biotechnology material for agricultural applications, and especially in different ornamental plant species.

Effect of different varieties and spacings on yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)

Effect of different varieties and spacings on yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)

Preharvest application of selenite enhances the quality of Chinese flowering cabbage during storage via regulating the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and phenylpropanoid metabolisms

Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee) is a candidate of selenium (Se) accumulator, but it is not clear whether and how preharvest Se treatment affects its quality after harvest. Here, we showed that preharvest application of 100 μmol/L selenite to roots enhanced storage quality of Chinese flowering cabbage. It increased antioxidant capacity and reduced weight loss, leaf yellowing, and protein degradation after harvest. Furthermore, it increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GR, as well as contents of AsA, GSH, phenolics, and flavonoids during storage. Metabolome analysis revealed that phenolic acids including p-Coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid; flavonoids such as naringenin, eriodictyol, apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives were notably increased by preharvest selenite treatment. Consistently, the total antioxidant capacity, evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, were all markedly enhanced in selenite-treated cabbage compared to the control. Transcriptomics analysis showed that the DEGs induced by selenite were significantly enriched in AsA-GSH metabolisms and phenylpropanoids biosynthesis pathways. Moreover, preharvest selenite treatment significantly up-regulated the expressions of BrGST, BrGSH-Px, BrAPX, BrASO, BrC4H, BrCOMT, BrCHS, and BrFLS during storage. These results suggest that preharvest selenite treatment enhanced quality of cabbage not only by increasing Se biological accumulation, but also through regulating AsA-GSH cycle and increasing phenolics and flavonoids synthesis after harvest. This study provides a novel insight into the effects of preharvest Se treatment on quality of Chinese flowering cabbage during storage.

Nondestructive classification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage using hyperspectral imaging analysis

Identification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage, an essential ingredient of kimchi, is challenging at the industrial scale. Therefore, nondestructive imaging techniques are necessary. Here, we investigated the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) processing in the near-infrared region (900–1700 nm) for classifying napa cabbage quality using nondestructive measurements. We determined the microbiological and physicochemical qualitative properties of napa cabbage for intercomparison of HSI information, extracted HSI characteristics from hyperspectral images to predict and classify freshness, and established a novel approach for classifying healthy and rotten napa cabbage. The second derivative Savitzky–Golay method for data preprocessing was implemented, followed by wavelength selection using variable importance in projection scores. For multivariate data of the classification models, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), and random forests were used for predicting cabbage conditions. The SVM model accurately distinguished the cabbage exhibiting soft rot disease symptoms from the healthy cabbage. This study presents the potential of HSI systems for separating soft rot disease-infected napa cabbages from healthy napa cabbages using the SVM model, especially under the most effective wavelengths (970, 980, 1180, 1070, 1120, and 978 nm), prior to processing. These results are applicable to industrial multispectral images.