Raphanus Sativus Var Research Articles

Retention of freshness and isothiocyanates in fresh-cut radish (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus) through glucose dip treatment.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05276-1.

Influence of nitisinone and its metabolites on l-tyrosine metabolism in a model system

Nitisinone (NTBC) is currently used for the treatment of tyrosinemia type 1, a rare disease. It also exhibits potential in the treatment of other orphan diseases as well as nervous system disorders – this is however limited by its side effects. In all living organisms, NTBC inhibits 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, thereby affecting l-tyrosine (L-TYR) catabolism, which results in the therapeutic effect. The NTBC metabolites formed in patient's body is one of the causes of its side effects. The influence of NTBC and its metabolites; 2-amino-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid, 2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid, and cyclohexane-1,3-dione on L-TYR catabolism was investigated in Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus. Based on targeted LC–MS/MS analysis the concentration of NTBC and its metabolites in exposed plant tissues was determined. Based on non-targeted LC-MS/MS analysis the concentrations of products of L-TYR catabolism: levodopa, epinephrine, norepinephrine, normetanephrine, dopamine, tyramine and vitamins C, B5 and B6, additionally leucine and valine were identified as influenced by the NTBC or its metabolites.NTBC and its metabolites influenced L-TYR catabolism differently. Particularly significant changes were found in the content of epinephrine and normetanephrine: in the plant tissues exposed to NTBC, an increase in the content of these neurotransmitters was found (+42%), whereas in the plant treated with 2-amino-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid or 2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid a decrease in concentration (−39% and 55%, respectively) was observed. Cyclohexane-1,3-dione does not influence epinephrine and normetanephrine concentration. The conclusions of this study provide a platform for expanded research on the causes of side effects of NTBC treatment.

Effects of Nitrogen Rate and Cover Crop on Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Yield and Soil Water Content

The objective of this study was to test the effects of N rates and tillage radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) cover crop (TRCC) on soil water and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield. In three years of the investigation, the treatments were N rates at 84 kg ha−1 and 140 kg ha−1 with and without TRCC. Soil water contents were measured using soil water sensors. Results showed that cotton yield was not significantly (p > 0.05) influenced by TRCC. Compared to N rate at 84 kg ha−1, 140 kg N ha−1 increased lint yield by 2.0%, 7.4%, 18.4% in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, but the increase was significant only in 2019 (p < 0.02). Interactions between TRCC and nitrogen rate on yield were significant (p < 0.03) only in 2017. TRCC increased soil water infiltration capacity, resulting in higher soil water content. Use of TRCC did not affect the cotton yield, which could be due to the high inputs of water and high rates of N neutralizing the positive contributions to the cotton growth expected from the TRCC. Sub-optimum winter temperatures hampered the establishment and subsequent growth of TRCC, which also possibly contributed to its minimum impacts on cotton crop performance in the following season.

Association between RsFT, RsFLC and RsCOL5 (A&B) expression and flowering regulation in Japanese wild radish.

Flowering is an important step in the life cycle of plants and indicates adaptability to external climatic cues such as temperature and photoperiod. We investigated the expression patterns of core genes related to flowering-time regulation in Japanese wild radish (Raphanus sativus var. raphanistroides) with different vernalization requirements (obligate and facultative) and further identified climatic cues that may act as natural selective forces. Specifically, we analysed flowering-time variation under different cold and photoperiod treatments in Japanese wild radish collected from the Hokkaido (northern lineage) and Okinawa (southern lineage) islands, which experience contrasting climatic cues. The cultivation experiment verified the obligate and facultative vernalization requirements of the northern and southern wild radish accessions, respectively. The expression of major genes involved in flowering time indicated that RsFLC and RsCOL5 (A&B) may interact to regulate flowering time. Notably, floral initiation in the northern lineage was strongly correlated with RsFLC expression, whereas flowering in the southern linage was correlated with induction of RsCOL5-A expression, despite high RsFLC transcript levels. These results suggested that the northern accessions are more sensitive to prolonged cold exposure, whereas the southern accessions are more sensitive to photoperiod. These different mechanisms ultimately confer an optimal flowering time in natural populations in response to locally contrasting climatic cues. This study provides new insights into the variant mechanisms underlying floral pathways in Japanese wild radish from different geographic locations.

Systematic Investigation of the Effects of Seven Plant Extracts on the Physiological Parameters, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus).

The modern agricultural sector faces the challenge of addressing the needs of the fast-growing global population. This process should be both high-yielding and sustainable, without creating risks for the environment and human health. Therefore, natural products are gaining attention in the production of safe and nutritious food. In a systematic effort to develop affordable and effective biostimulants, we examined the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and physiological parameters of radish plants under field conditions. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, mechanical homogenization, and water were used for the production of potential plant-based biostimulants. Foliar applications of the bio-products, developed and used in our study, have led to an increase in the examined parameters (total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, vitamin C, nitrates, and micro- and macroelements). A decrease in the total phenolic compounds content was also noted, as well as a varied impact on the steam volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterol, and glucosinolates composition. The most beneficial effects on radish, in terms of physiological and biochemical properties, were found in groups treated with extracts based on the common dandelion, valerian, and giant goldenrod. This innovative approach presented in our study could provide a valuable tool for sustainable horticultural production.

Влияние макро- и микроудобрений на урожай семян редьки масличной в условиях лесостепи ЦФО России

We studied effect of macro- and micronutrient fertilizers on oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera Metzg.) seed yield in fields of the Lipetsk Research Institute of Rapeseed in 2019–2020. The research was conducted in the forest-steppe conditions of the Central Federal district of the Russian Federation. Field experiment variants were as following: control (without fertilizers), (NPK)40, (NPK)80 and N40 in autumn under plowing, (NPK)40 and N40 in spring under before-sowing cultivation, and as a part of the main (NPK)40 application, foliar application with Plantofola (20:20:20), Polydon Amino Start and Polydon Amino Mix. Soil of the experimental field was leached, heavy clay loam chernozem having the distinctive agrochemical characteristics. In general, the weather conditions for the oil radish growing season in 2019 were close to the average long-term norm, and in 2020 the weather conditions were distinguished by a significant lack of precipitation, which affected the formation of oil radish yield. The studies have shown that the effect patterns of the studied macro- and micronutrient fertilizers on oil radish yield in the years of the experiments did not practically differ. On the average in both 2019 and 2020 the yield increase has been noted. The application of nitrogen and complete mineral fertilizers for this crop under plowing in autumn and under before-sowing cultivation in spring significantly increased its yield, which reached the highest values (22.3 quintal per ha) in the experiment with (NPK)80 as the main fertilizer. At the same time, an equivalent oil radish seed yield was formed with less costly agricultural technologies, when with application of (NPK)40, in autumn under plowing foliar application with Plantofola (1.0 l per ha) was conducted in the phases of 5–7 true leaves and budding–beginning of flowering or Polydon Amino Start (1.0 l per ha) was used in the phase of 5–7 true leaves.

Wild radish (Raphanus sativus var. hortensis f. raphanistroides) root extract protects neuronal cells by inhibiting microglial activation

External stimulus-induced activation of microglia plays an important role in the protection of neurons in the central nervous system; however, over-activation of microglia could cause neuronal damage, and it is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of wild radish (Raphanus sativus var. hortensis f. raphanistroides) root extract (WRE) on microglial over-activation. Mouse microglia BV-2 cells and rat primary microglia were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), treated with WRE, and analyzed for nitric oxide (NO) production, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, and p38 kinase phosphorylation. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with microglia-conditioned medium and analyzed for cell viability. Stimulation with LPS increased NO production and iNOS expression in BV-2 cells and primary microglia, but the treatment with WRE decreased both. Furthermore, WRE downregulated the mRNA expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 in LPS-activated microglia. Treatment with the conditioned medium of LPS-induced BV-2 cells decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, but the damaging effect was significantly alleviated in cells treated with the conditioned medium of LPS plus WRE-cultured microglia. This indicated that the WRE treatment of microglia could protect neuronal cells from microglial activation-induced neurotoxicity. WRE may be a potential food product to attenuate neuroinflammation via the inhibition of microglial over-activation, which can slow down the neurodegenerative processes in the brain.

Effect of <i>Jasminum fruticans</i> L. seed extract on the viability seeds of test objects

In connection with the study of the effect of the succulent seed coat (sarcotesta) of Jasminum fruticans L. (Oleaceae) on the viability of seeds, a study of the germination of test objects at different volume concentrations ( σ В ) of mature seed extract was conducted 1; 0,75; 0,5; 0,25. The test objects were radish seeds ( Raphanus sativus var. radicula Pers.) ‘Zhara’ and watercress ( Lepidium sativum L.) ‘Zabava’ (Brassicaceae). The seeds were seeding on distilled water as the control. The volume content of phenolic compounds in the obtained extract solutions of various dilutions was determined. A qualitative reaction to tannins contained in J. fruticans seed extract was performed. The qualitative reaction confirmed the presence of a condensed group of polyphenolic compounds in the extract. A decrease in the germination of radish and watercress seeds was found at extract concentrations of 0,25 (0,31 mg/ml PC), 0,75 (0,92 mg/ml PC) and 1 (1,22 mg / ml PC). When σ В =0,50 (0,61 mg/ml PC), the germination of radish and watercress increases, but the indicators do not have a statistically significant difference compared to the control. It is shown that the formation of abnormal sprouts of test objects increases with an increase in the volume concentration of the extract, with the exception of the variant σ В =0,50. Radish has more than 60% of abnormal seedlings are associated with hypocotyl deformation. Watercress seedlings have hypocotyl abnormalities and root abnormalities (more than 50%) The observed pattern of changes in the germination of test objects seeds from the concentration of J. fruticans water seed extract indicates its allelopathic properties. The presence of phenolic compounds in the sarcotesta of J. fruticans indicates its regulatory function in the process of seed development.

Subsoil compaction effect on spatio-temporal root growth, reuse of biopores and crop yield of spring barley

Subsoil compaction in arable farming caused by increasingly heavy machinery results in increased subsoil strength and reduced aeration and water flow. This can restrict root growth and reduce crop yield. To mitigate these effects of subsoil compaction, we included a deep-rooted catch crop of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) in a rotation of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). The objective was to determine the effect of subsoil compaction on root growth and grain yield of barley, and to investigate the creation and use of biopores for subsequent root growth. Studies were carried out in 2013–2016 in a soil compaction experiment established in 2010 on a sandy loam. The soil had for four consecutive years (2010–2013) been compacted with multi-passes in an 8 Mg wheel load treatment (M8) or had not been compacted (Control). Spring barley was grown every year and fodder radish was grown as a catch crop from harvest to winter in 2013–2016. Penetration resistance to 90 cm depth was measured in 2015 at a soil water content near field capacity. Root growth and biopore reuse were investigated using horizontal minirhizotrons installed at 30, 50 and 70 cm depth from 2013–2016. Spring barley grain yield was recorded annually. We found that M8 caused critical subsoil compaction with penetration resistance peaking at 3.5 MPa in the upper subsoil (30−40 cm depth). Subsoil compaction reduced root growth by c. 50 % at 30 cm depth and barley yields by 6–8 % compared to the Control in three years after cessation of the compaction treatment. The number of biopores that were reused were higher for fodder radish than for spring barley, 4.1 % and 3.1 %, respectively, but did not differ between compaction treatments. Our study displayed a marked, negative residual effect of soil compaction on above- and belowground crop growth. There was no tendency towards a recovery within the years studied (1–3 years after compaction). Severe subsoil compaction is a widespread problem and therefore we call for more studies on the spatio-temporal dynamics of the creation and subsequent use of biopores for root growth as these are essential for the recovery of compacted subsoils.

Evaluation of Potential Biodiesel Feedstocks: Camelina, Turnip Rape, Oil Radish and Tyfon

Background: One of the most promising alternative biofuels, competitive with regular petrol, diesel or jet fuel is biodiesel, especially derived from plant oils. Until now, various technological approaches, as well as oil sources, have been proposed for biodiesel production, but an industrially scalable technology with high end-product quality and production efficiency has not been developed and brought to the market yet. Biodiesel is produced in Europe and North America mainly from rapeseed, or canola, sunflower and soybean oil. However, other underutilized plant species could also be considered as potential oil feedstocks for biodiesel. The great perspective holds Brassicaceae family, especially such species as false flax (Camelina sativa) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata), but many other Brassicaceae crops are still out of sight. Objectives: This research has been conducted aiming to identify and compare the productivity of several Brassicaceae crops (camelina or false flax (C. sativa), turnip rape (B. campestris), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) and tyfon (B. rapa ssp. oleifera f. biennis × (ssp. rapifera × ssp. pekinensis)), that are suitable for biodiesel production under conditions of temperate climate regions (Northern America, Europe); and to obtain biodiesel by transesterification of fatty acids present on these species using bioethanol. Methods and Materials: Seed oil content, yield and fatty acid profiles have been studied and analysed in different genotypes of C. sativa (10), winter (6) and spring (4) B. campestris, R. sativus var. oleifera (8) and tyfon (5). The most productive crops have been identified: false flax variety ‘Evro-12’ (1620 kg of oil per hectare) and ‘Peremoha’ (1657 kg/ha); winter turnip rape variety ‘Oriana’ (1373 kg/ha), oil radish variety ‘Kyianochka’ (1445 kg/ha) and tyfon varieties ‘Fitopal’ (1730 kg/ha) and ‘Obriy’ (1860 kg/ha). According to chromatographic analysis results, oils of winter turnip rape and tyfon contain high levels (38-42,8%) of erucic (22:1) acid, while oils from spring turnip rape, false flax and oil radish possess high amounts of short-chained fatty acids (not longer than C18) – up to 85,37% in camelina breeding line FEORZhYaFD. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were produced from oil of best genotypes and proved to comply with all main quality requirements for diesel. Results: Moreover, a new solvent-based technology of high-yield (up to 96%) FAEE production, has been firstly proposed for C. sativa oil conversion. Conclusion: Best genotypes that can be used as a plant oil source for biodiesel production have been identified for camelina, turnip rape, oil radish and tyfon species. The data obtained on seed oil content, yield and fatty acid profiles suggested that they are: false flax – breeding form FEORZhYaFD; winter turnip rape - variety ‘Oriana’; oil radish - variety ‘Rayduha’ and tyfon hybrid - variety ‘Fitopal’. Biodiesel samples obtained from these plants fit the Ukrainian standards for diesel fuel and can be used in car engines. The proposed new technological approach to produce fatty acid ethyl esters allows to reduce reaction time and to increase esters yield and quality.

Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Multicorona Air Plasma and Plasma-Activated Water on Germination and Growth of Rat-Tailed Radish Seeds

The atmospheric pressure multicorona plasmas and plasma-activated water (PAW) have been used to improve the germination and growth of rat-tailed radish seeds (Raphanus sativus var. caudutrus). The multicorona plasmas at 30 kV were used to treat the seeds for 2 and 4 min. The PAW activated by multicorona plasmas (for 1, 5, and 10 min) was then used to soak the plasma-treated seeds for 4 h. The plasma-treated seeds were watered with PAW daily for 7 days. The nonactivated tap water (NAW) was used to soak and water the plasma-treated seeds as a control group. The germination rate, stem length, and the dry weight of all plasma-treated groups are greater than those in the control group. All measurements were increased with increasing PAW times. The highest germination rate of 92% was found in the seeds exposed to plasma for 2 and 4 min with watering 10-min PAW. This germination rate was higher than that in the control group by 10%. This was because the reactive species in plasma and PAW could stimulate the germination rate by increasing water absorption. The highest stem length of 74.76 mm/seedling and dry weight of 14.66 mg/seedling were found in the seeds exposed by plasma for 4 min with watering 10-min PAW. These measurements were higher than those in the control group by 78.42% and 21.66%, respectively. This was because the increase of water absorption and reactive nitrogen species in PAW could stimulate seedling growth. From the observed results, it can be concluded that the increase in plasma treatment times and PAW activated by plasma treatment times on seeds led to a positive effect on seedling growth. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure multicorona plasma and PAW can be considered as an environmentally friendly and innovative tool to enhance the germination and growth of rat-tailed radish seeds.

Bio-based and cost effective method for phenolic compounds removal using cross-linked enzyme aggregates

This work aimed at presenting a green method using a new source of peroxidase isolated from Raphanus sativus var. niger (RSVNP) in immobilized form, for the treatment of wastewater. To ensure stability and enzymatic activity in the biodegradation process, RSVNP was immobilized as a cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEAs). With more than 29% of recovered activity and 85% aggregation yield, acetone was selected as the best precipitating agent. The formed protein aggregates required 2% (v/v) of glutaraldehyde (GA) concentration and a ratio of 9:1 (v/v) enzyme (E) amount to cross-linker (E/GA). Compared to the free enzyme, RSVNP-CLEAs were found more chemically and thermally stable and exhibited good storage stability for more than 8 weeks. In addition, RSVNP-CLEAs were evaluated for their ability to remove phenol and p-cresol from aqueous solution by varying several operating conditions. A maximal yield (98%) of p-cresol conversion was recorded after 40 min; while 92% of phenol was degraded after 1 h duration time. The reusability of RSVNP-CLEAs was tested, displaying 71% degradation of phenol in the third batch carried out and more than 54% was achieved for p-cresol after four successive reuses in the presence of hydrogen peroxide at 2 mM concentration.

Contrasting effects of cover crops on earthworms: Results from field monitoring and laboratory experiments on growth, reproduction and food choice

Cover crops are an essential element of sustainable agriculture and can affect earthworm populations. In a field trial, we investigated the effects of four cover crop treatments: radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus B.; at high and low seed density), black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanese M.) on earthworms under two irrigation regimes. The two parallel field trials (irrigated and rainfed) demonstrated the significance of soil moisture for earthworm abundance with lower numbers under rainfed black oat and Sudan grass compared with moister bare fallow in autumn (P < 0.05). Soil moisture content changed from autumn to spring and was highest under Sudan grass in both irrigation regimes (P < 0.05). Earthworm numbers equalised and were then similar in all treatments, but under rainfed cover crop treatments, earthworm populations gained 62.3 g g−1 in biomass from autumn to the following spring (P < 0.05). Laboratory experiments showed the importance of N content and more palatability of low C:N ratio radish for growth rate of juvenile Aporrectodea longa and cocoon production by Aporrectodea caliginosa. These two earthworm species showed a different preference in choice chamber experiments between roots and shoots. Radish was consumed first in three out of four experiments. Field and laboratory experiments highlighted the effects of cover crops on earthworm abundance, reproduction and development. Overall, our results showed that cover crops can support earthworm development, but under field conditions, soil moisture is more important. In the short-term, this can lead to a trade-off between plant biomass production and earthworm numbers.

Phytotoxic compounds isolated from a sea snail derived fungus, Penicillium vancouverense YY-1

Abstract Three new metabolites, including two alkaloids, vancouverone A (1) and vancouverone B (2), one α-pyrone, 10,11-dihydroxy-citreoviridin (3), and two known compounds, neocitreoviridinol (4) and PF1140 (5), were isolated from Penicillium vancouverense YY-1 derived from gastric flora of the sea snail Monodonta neritoides. Their structures and configurations were elucidated using spectroscopic analyses. Compound 2 exhibited phytotoxicity against plant species (Lactuca sativa, Trifolium repens, Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus, and Brassica rapa var. perviridis).

Biofumigation Potentials of Some Brassica Crops to Control Root-knot Nematodes Meloidogyne spp., on Tomato Under Field Conditions

The experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus var. Terranovah) and rocket salad (Eruca sativa cv. Baladi) as biofumigation crops for controlling root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp., on tomato plants during two successive seasons 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. Three months after cultivation of fodder radish, and rocket salad (the full blooming stage) all parts were incorporated with soil and covered with a transparent polyethylene film. After 4 weeks, the plastic sheets were removed and soil was left for two weeks later, before transplanting tomato seedlings. Results in both seasons, indicated significant reduction (p≤0.05) of nematode parameters on tomato plants. Results revealed that effect of R. sativus var. Terranovah as biofumigation crop as indicated by the percentage reduction in number of galls, egg-masses/root system, and a number of second-stage juvenile (j2) /250 g soil (84, 90, and 84%), and (90,87, and 88%) in seasons 2017 & 2018 respectively. On the other hand, nematicide Vydate (oxamyl) 24% L recorded the percentage reduction in the number of galls, egg-mass/ root system as well as number of second-stage juveniles in soils j2 (90,87, and 87%), and (95,93, and 90%) in season 2017& 2018 respectively. Results revealed that all plant growth criteria on tomato plants increased significantly (p≤0.05) by using the tested treatments. Results indicated that the effect of R. sativus as biofumigation crop recorded the average highest percentages (57, and 92%), and (64, and 102%) in seasons 2017 &2018 respectively. At the same time, nematicide Vydate (oxamyl) 24% L was the most effective in the average highest percentages. i.e., the plant growth vigor, increase, and fruit yield per plant (64, and 98), (73, and 107) in two successive seasons 2017 & 2018 respectively. Gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) analysis of dichloromethane extract of fodder radish indicated the presence of four glucosinolates, which were identified through their volatile autolysis products. Gluconapin, the major compound was identified by 3- butenyl isothiocynate, while glucoerucin was identified by 4-(methylthio) butyl isothiocynate, which is commonly known as erucin. Sulphoraphane was released from 4-(methylsulfinyl) butyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin) while 4-(methylsulphony) butyl isothiocyanate commonly known as erysolin was liberated from glucoerysolin. Furthermore, five GLS were also identified in rocket salad. Gluconapin was detected and its presence was identified through its epithionitrile; 4,5-epithiopentanenitrile. The isomers progoitrin and epiprogoitrin were detected by the two hydrolysis products diastereomers threo and erythro 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3,4-epithiobutane respectively. The aromatic glucosinolate; gluconasturtiin could be identified through its liberated nitrile named as 1-benzenepropane nitrile. Sativin, the major identified compound is 4-mercaptobutyl isothiocyanate.

Temperature-related cline in the root mass fraction in East Asian wild radish along the Japanese archipelago.

Wild plants with a wide distribution, including those exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions, may have variations in key functional traits relevant for agricultural applications. The East Asian wild radish (Raphanus sativus var. raphanistroides) is an appropriate model plant because it is widely distributed and has outstanding sink capacity as well as two cultivars within the species. Multiple common garden trials with 14 populations and three testing sites were conducted across the Japanese archipelago to quantify variations in yield and allocation. Significant inter-population variations and interaction effects with testing sites were detected for the root and shoot mass and the root mass fraction (RMF). While the rank order of the population changed drastically among sites and the variance components of genetic effects were small in yield traits (2.4%–4.7%), RMF displayed a large genetic variance (23.2%) and was consistently higher in the northern populations at all sites. Analyses revealed that the mean temperature of growing season of the seed origin was the most prominent factor explaining variation in RMF, irrespective of the sites. We concluded that the trait of resource allocation had a temperature-related cline and plants in cooler climates could invest more resources into their roots.

Experimental investigation of wicking bed irrigation using shallow-rooted crops grown under glasshouse conditions

Growing crops in cities is challenging due to many factors including space restrictions, busy lifestyles, cost and availability of water. Wicking beds (WBs) have been identified as a simple, potentially water- and labour-efficient irrigation method compared to hand irrigation. However, limited studies exist to validate claims of the effectiveness of WBs with respect to water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity. The effectiveness of WBs to grow shallow-rooted crops was scientifically investigated for the first time in this study using a small-scale glasshouse experiment to identify the gaps in WB research and to reveal benefits or problems with the application. Specifically, the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var. ‘cos’) and two radishes (Raphanus sativus, var. ‘mars’, and (Raphanus sativus var. ‘white long icicle’) was examined. The performance of WBs was compared with a precise hand irrigation treatment based on WUE, yield, biomass, crop type and the presence or absence of mulch. WUE, yield and biomass were always higher in WBs than the hand-irrigated treatments. Furthermore, the WUE benefits of WBs may depend on the type of crop grown (specifically the root form), soil bed depth, and the presence of mulch.

Metabolic profiles in the course of the shikimic acid pathway of Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus exposed to mesotrione and its degradation products.

The influence of pesticides on the metabolism of edible plants has not been fully investigated. Moreover, once introduced into the environment, pesticides are degraded to many compounds with undefined bioactivity. In presented work, under experimental conditions, model edible plant (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) was exposed to herbicide stress by application of a herbicide (mesotrione, 2-(4-methanesulfonyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione, MES) or its degradation products (amino-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzoic acid, AMBA; 4-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzoic acid MNBA; cyclohexane-1,3-dione, CHD). Metabolic profiles of plants were employed to estimate the plant's defence response to MES and its metabolites. The intensity of herbicide stress was determined by measuring the changes in chlorophyll and catecholamines concentration formed in the shikimic acid pathway. Non-target analysis was conducted by LC-MS/MS, determination of catecholamines by LC-FL, chlorophyll by spectrophotometry. The highest phytotoxicity is characterized by MES (2000%-fold increase in the content of herbicide stress marker (normetanephrine) compared to a blank), followed by CHD (500%) combined with 15% increase in chlorophyll concentration. AMBA and MNBA as stress factors caused the increase in the content of catecholamines in the plant (86-160%). Simultaneously, an increase in chlorophyll content was observed (26-50%). Such diversity of the organism's defence response, also visible on metabolic profiles, can be associated with the chemical structure of compounds that are stress factors. MES and CHD, in contrast to AMBA and MNBA, have cyclohexano-1,3-moiety in their structure, which seems to be responsible for herbicidal properties.

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in water, soil and plant around the open landfill site Mogla Bazar in Sylhet, Bangladesh

This study was aimed to determine the heavy metal concentration in water, soil, and plant around an open landfill site in Mogla Bazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The concentration of different metals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were analyzed using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) with proper digestion method. The mean concentration of heavy metals found in the water samples were in the following order Mn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd. Besides, the trend of trace metals mean concentration order in the soil is Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd. Luffaacutangula, Oryza sativa, and Raphanussativus var. longipinnatuswere accumulated a higher concentration of metals which can be associated with adverse health effect in the area. All the metal contents were compared with the established permissible limit provided by WHO/FAO, EU, IS, USEPA and also reported by different authors. The Geo-accumulation index (I-geo) values of metals indicate that the soil was unpolluted to moderately polluted for Pb and Cd in some sampling stations. The mean Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) value was obtained 311.61 which are higher than the critical value 100. It implies that the condition of the surrounding environment is being polluted. The Pearson's correlation matrix was performed to detect the interrelation among the heavy metal contents. There was a significant positive correlation found in water samples rather than soil and plant samples. Additionally, the Transfer Factor (TF) values were decreased as follows: Cu>Zn>Mn>Cd>Fe>Pb. In conclusion, the heavy metal accumulation level in soil, water, and plant is slightly higher than the standard level which implied that it would be dangerous to human and the vicinity of the environment.

Characterization of Ethylene-mediated Curling of Japanese Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) Cotyledons

During the transport of vegetables, it is important to maintain quality. The cotyledons of Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) sprouts curl during transport, lowering quality. It is known that ethylene causes the leaf curling of some true leaves by promoting cell growth on the adaxial side (epinasty); however, the mechanism of cotyledon curling is unknown. We investigated the effect of ethylene on cotyledon curling of Japanese radish sprouts. Curling was promoted by exogenous treatment with ethylene and repressed by treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, an inhibitor of ethylene perception. Microscopic observation of ethylene-exposed curled cotyledons and normal cotyledons indicates that ethylene did not affect cell number but did inhibit transverse (lateral) cell growth on the abaxial side of the cotyledons, causing cotyledon curling through differential growth. Ethylene inhibition of cell growth on the abaxial side of leaves has not been reported before. We show a new mechanism responsible for curling.