Eruca Sativa Research Articles

Pathotype Identification and Host Resistance Evaluation of Clubroot in Zhejiang Province, China.

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a globally destructive soil-borne disease affecting cruciferous plants. Here, the predominant pathotypes of P. brassicae in six cities within Zhejiang Province were identified using the Williams and European Clubroot Differential (ECD) systems. A phylogenetic analysis of P. brassicae isolates infecting cruciferous crops worldwide was conducted using MEGA, and their ITS2 secondary structures were predicted through the ITS2 database. Accessions of B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. juncea, and Eruca sativa Mill. were employed to assess clubroot resistance. The results revealed that the prevalent pathotypes in Zhejiang Province were pathotype 1, ECD20/31/12 and ECD24/16/30; pathotype 3, ECD20/15/4; pathotype 8, ECD16/0/0 and ECD24/0/0; and pathotype 2, ECD16/15/15. Isolates from distinct genera of Brassicaceae formed separate branches in the evolutionary tree. Moreover, isolates of Brassica crops from Zhejiang Province exhibited homology with those from other global regions, a finding corroborated by their ITS2 secondary structure. Approximately 80% and 95% of B. rapa and B. juncea crops displayed susceptible phenotypes for pathotype 8, ECD16/0/0, whereas approximately 60% of B. oleracea crops exhibited resistance. Furthermore, three Brassica crop accessions showed significant variation in resistance to the pathogen, both among morphological and geographical origin groups. This study contributes to understanding the distribution of diverse P. brassicae pathotypes in different regions of Zhejiang Province and facilitates the identification of Brassica crops with potential disease resistance suitable for cultivation in the province.

Investigation of The Effects of Extraction Polarity Change on the Bioactivity of Eruca vesicaria

Eruca vesicaria (arugula) plant is frequently used today as a daily food source that contains a rich variety of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. It also contains a high percentage of phenolic compounds which are structures that plants develop to protect themselves from harmful organisms. Phenolic compounds found in plants are obtained by different extraction methods and have a high antioxidant effect. In this study, we report, anticancer activity extract from Eruca vesicaria against human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) in vitro. The phenolic substances contained in the plant were obtained in different concentrations by the extraction technique based on the polarity difference. HPLC and total phenol content were determined to perform extraction content analysis. According to in vitro MTT cell proliferation assay, it acted at high concentrations, regardless of polarity differences. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed in extract extracted with 50% ethanol concentration. It has been observed that it has an anticancer effect compared to the determination of total phenol content. Also, because of 24-hour MIC analysis, it shows antibacterial properties according to agent concentration. As a result of this study, it adds many new information to the literature, but also provides guidance for future research.

Exogenous application of melatonin and chitosan mitigate simulated microgravity stress in the Rocket (Eruca sativa L.) plant

Starting life in space and implementing spaceflight missions requires raising of plants in special conditions, where various stresses, including microgravity, are applied to plant. The use of stimulants is known as a promising effective approach that enhances plant resistance encountered a variety of abiotic stresses. In this study, the impact of two stimulants, melatonin and chitosan, in reducing negative effects of clinorotation on Rocket (Eruca sativa L.) seedlings was investigated from a physiological and biochemical point of view. For this purpose, a completely randomized experiment was designed where the treatments included control (without stimulants and normal gravity), melatonin (100 μM), chitosan (230 M), microgravity, microgravity + melatonin, and microgravity + chitosan. The results disclosed that the microgravity significantly impaired the plant growth and morphology, while exogenous application of melatonin and chitosan improved the plant growth parameters under stress conditions. Under microgravity, there was a reduction of 46.15% in shoot length (4.9 mm) and 41.44% in root length (4.7 mm) compared with the control (9.1 mm; 8.03 mm), respectively. Clinorotation led to a marked increment in the enzymes activity, wherein the POD, SOD and CAT activities increased by 75.13%, 72.67%, and 53.42%, respectively, compared with the control seedlings. In addition, supply of these two stimulants strengthened the scavenging of radial oxygen species and helped the plant to tolerate stress conditions, by activated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems. These results can pave the road for more studies and broad application of biological stimuli to overcome the space harsh environmental conditions by plants.

Multinational investigation of a Salmonella Umbilo outbreak reveals rocket salad and baby spinach as the likely infection vehicles, Europe, 2024.

A food-borne outbreak with about 200 Salmonella Umbilo cases occurred mainly between July and September 2024 in several European countries. Collaborative work between outbreak teams in Germany, Austria and Denmark, including epidemiological and microbiological investigations, allowed to rapidly identify rocket salad as the likely infection vehicle. Salmonella Umbilo was detected in rocket salad, and later in baby spinach. The food isolates and clinical outbreak strain were genetically closely related. Both food items originated from the same company in Italy.

Erucin, a Natural Isothiocyanate, Prevents Polyglutamine-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans via aak-2/AMPK and daf-16/FOXO Signaling.

Several neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Huntington's disease, six of the spinocerebellar ataxias, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy, and spinobulbar muscular atrophy, are caused by abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts. Natural compounds capable of alleviating polyQ-induced toxicity are currently of great interest. In this work, we investigated the modulatory effect against polyQ neurotoxic aggregates exerted by erucin (ERN), an isothiocyanate naturally present in its precursor glucoerucin in rocket salad leaves and in its oxidized form, sulforaphane (SFN), in broccoli. Using C. elegans models expressing polyQ in different tissues, we demonstrated that ERN protects against polyQ-induced toxicity and that its action depends on the catalytic subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (aak-2/AMPKα2) and, downstream in this pathway, on the daf-16/FOXO transcription factor, since nematodes deficient in aak-2/AMPKα2 and daf-16 did not respond to the treatment, respectively. Although triggered by a different source of neurotoxicity than polyQ diseases, i.e., by α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates, Parkinson's disease (PD) was also considered in our study. Our results showed that ERN reduces α-syn aggregates and slightly improves the motility of worms. Therefore, further preclinical studies in mouse models of protein aggregation are justified and could provide insights into testing whether ERN could be a potential neuroprotective compound in humans.

Production of tambaqui juveniles (Colossoma macropomum) and arugula microgreens (Eruca sativa) in small-scale aquaponic systems: technical and economic viability

Production of tambaqui juveniles (Colossoma macropomum) and arugula microgreens (Eruca sativa) in small-scale aquaponic systems: technical and economic viability

Two-Sex Life Table Analysis of Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Lettuce, Parsley, and Rocket

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as the cotton mealybug, is a polyphagous pest causes significant economic losses worldwide. This study aimed to determine two-sex life table analysis of P. solenopsis on lettuce (Lactuca sativa), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and rocket (Eruca sativa). Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions 26°C, 65 ± 10% relative humidity, and a 16:8 light-dark cycle. The results indicated that lettuce was more suitable for P. solenopsis development comparted to parsley and rocket. Total fecundity of P. solenopsis was recorded as 221.45, 158.00, and 121.64, on lettuce, parsley, and rocket respectively. In addition, ovipositon period of P. solenopsis was 14.00, 9.73, and 8.45 days on lettuce, parsley, and rocket respectively. The highest values of net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were obtained as 97.44 offspring female-1, 0.14 day-1, 1.16 day-1, respectively from lettuce in this present research. The results showed that lettuce was the better host plant for P. soleneopsis than parsley and rocket. However, further studies should be done about host plant pest interactions to provide successful control measures against P. solenopsis.

Substantiable <i>Eruca sativa</i> biomass: from mass spectrometry to insights for biopharmacotherapy

The use of medicinal plants to treat human ailments has received more attention recently. Eruca sativa (E. sativa; jarjeer) is a very popular edible plant of the Brassicaceae family with remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties. In this frame, bioactive metabolites derived from E. sativa biomass have captured more attention in pharmacotherapy and biomedicine. This review focuses on recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), which have made the characterization of Eruca metabolites, such as glucosinolates and their derivatives, more feasible. Moreover, bio-pharmacological impact, viz. antiulcer, anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial, anti-obesity and hypoglycemic activities, cardiovascular benefits, and neuroprotective effects are discussed. This review concentrates all important research findings on these topics, and stresses upon the activities of chemistry and pharmacological areas. By stressing upon additional investigations, this paper emphasizes and appeals researchers and industrials to attempt a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacological implications of Eruca species and improve their application in modern medicine.

Influence of conventional, agroecological, and hydroponic farming methods on the microbiological quality, isotopic and mineral composition of arugula (Eruca sativa).

Influence of conventional, agroecological, and hydroponic farming methods on the microbiological quality, isotopic and mineral composition of arugula (Eruca sativa).

Ozonation combined to BAC filtration for secondary effluent treatment containing moderate concentration of heavy metals

The treatment of industrial and urban effluents is a recognized strategy for environmental preservation, which brings benefits not only to fauna and flora but also to human health. In this paper, the combination effect of ozonation (O3) and biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration treatments on the inorganic contaminants removal, disinfection, and mitigation of toxicity in secondary effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were evaluated. Disinfection efficiency was evaluated using total coliforms and Escherichia coli inactivation, and toxicity was investigated by Eruca sativa germination, Artemia salina larvae and Daphnia similis. The O3-BAC system was efficient to remove metals, disinfect the samples and reduce toxicity. The combined treatment reduced 99.9 % of the assessed metal concentration and ≥ 96 % on samples enriched with 2x the concentration allowed by Brazilian legislation. O3-BAC also demonstrated superior bactericidal performance compared to BAC and O3 alone, exhibiting a 5-log reduction within 24 h against total coliforms and 4-log reduction in E. coli, whereas BAC and O3 achieved ≤ 3-log inactivation. Regarding toxicity, the bioassays demonstrated that the combined treatment effect improved the relative germination of E. sativa (∼97 %), and the relative root elongation showed no differences compared to the control group (∼100 %). Similar behavior was also observed in the analysis with wheat and radish seeds, with no differences noted between the treated samples and the positive control. In relation to A. salina, no toxic results were observed even at high metals concentration. Additionally, BAC treatment reduced D. similis immobilization from 97 ± 6 % to a level with no observed effect. The observed synergy suggests that the O3-BAC combination may address a variety of pollutants and improve treatment efficacy.

Manipulating the light spectrum to increase the biomass production, physiological plasticity and nutritional quality of Eruca sativa L

The extensive development in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in recent years provides an opportunity to positively influence plant growth and biomass accumulation and to optimize biochemical composition and nutritional quality. This study aimed to assess how different light spectra affect the growth, photosynthesis and biochemical properties of Eruca sativa. Therefore two LED lighting modes - red:blue (RB, 1:1) and red:green:blue (RGB, 2:1:2) were compared to the conventional white light fluorescent tubes (WL). Plant biomass, photosynthetic performance, several antioxidants, polyamines and nitrates contents were analyzed across different treatments. The plant growth was affected by the light quality - the presence of green light in the spectrum resulted in smaller plants and leaves, and correspondingly less biomass. RB spectral mode enhanced the total antioxidant and guaiacol peroxidase activity, pigments, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbate and polyamines contents. This effect under RB was combined with better leaf development compared to RGB and less nitrate in the leaves among all treatments. The RB light generated modifications in polyamines, which are interrelated with the nitrate content, further induce important metabolite and antioxidant changes. Both RB and RGB enhanced photosynthesis. The afterglow thermoluminescence band varied according to leaves development, being higher in RB and WL as a consequence of their faster growth. The RB light spectrum was found to be the most efficient for promoting the growth, biochemical composition, and overall quality of Eruca sativa compared to RGB and WL. These findings suggest that RB LEDs can be an effective tool for improving crop production in controlled environments.

Streptomyces fradiae Mitigates the Impact of Potato Virus Y by Inducing Systemic Resistance in Two Egyptian Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars

In this study, the impact of culture media filtrate of QD3 actinobacterial isolate on two potato cultivars, Spunta and Diamond, infected with potato virus Y (PVY) was investigated. Various parameters, including infection percentage, PVY virus infectivity, disease severity scoring, PVY optical density, photosynthetic and defense-related biochemical markers, enzymatic profiling, phenolic compounds, proline content, salicylic acid levels, and growth and yield parameters, were assessed to elucidate the potential of the QD3 actinobacterial isolate culture filtrate in mitigating PVY-induced damage. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the QD3 actinobacterial isolate, including its salinity tolerance, pH preferences, and metabolic traits, were investigated. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed its classification as Streptomyces fradiae QD3, and it was deposited in GenBank with the gene accession number MN160630. Distinct responses between Spunta and Diamond cultivars, with Spunta displaying greater resistance to PVY infection. Notably, pre-infection foliar application of the QD3 filtrate significantly reduced disease symptoms and virus infection in both cultivars. For post-PVY infection, the QD3 filtrate effectively mitigated disease severity and the PVY optical density. Furthermore, the QD3 filtrate positively influenced photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic antioxidant activities, and key biochemical components associated with plant defense mechanisms. Gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) analysis revealed palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester) and oleic acid (9-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester) as the most prominent compounds, with retention times of 23.23 min and 26.41 min, representing 53.27% and 23.25%, respectively, of the total peak area as primary unsaturated fatty acids and demonstrating antiviral effects against plant viruses. Cytotoxicity assays on normal human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) revealed the safety of QD3 metabolites, with low discernible toxicity at high concentrations, reinforcing their potential as safe and effective interventions. The phytotoxicity results indicate that all the seeds presented high germination rates of approximately 95–98%, suggesting that the treatment conditions had no phytotoxic effect on the Brassica oleracea (broccoli) seeds, Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seeds, and Eruca sativa (arugula or rocket) seeds. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the S. fradiae filtrate has promising anti-PVY properties, influencing various physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects in potato cultivars. These findings provide valuable insights into potential strategies for managing PVY infections in potato crops, emphasizing the importance of Streptomyces-derived interventions in enhancing plant health and crop protection.

Oilseed Cakes: A Promising Source of Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Agents-Insights from Lactuca sativa.

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of methanolic extracts derived from oilseed cakes of Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Nigella sativa (black seed), Eruca sativa (rocket), and Linum usitatissimum (linseed). Lettuce methanolic extract showed the highest potential, so it was selected for further investigation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis and bioassay-guided fractionation of lettuce seed cake extract led to the isolation of five compounds: 1,3-propanediol-2-amino-1-(3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl) (1), luteolin (2), luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (3), apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (4), and β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucoside (5). Compound (1) was identified from Lactuca species for the first time, with high yield. The cytotoxic effects of the isolated compounds were tested on liver (HepG2) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, compared to normal cells (WI-38). Compounds (2), (3), and (4) exhibited strong activity in all assays, while compound (1) showed weak antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of lettuce seed cake extract and compound (1) was evaluated in vivo using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. Compound (1) and its combination with ibuprofen significantly reduced paw oedema, lowered inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2), and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, compound (1) showed promising COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition in an in vitro enzymatic anti-inflammatory assay, with IC50 values of 17.31 ± 0.65 and 4.814 ± 0.24, respectively. Molecular docking revealed unique interactions of compound (1) with COX-1 and COX-2, suggesting the potential for targeted inhibition. These findings underscore the value of oilseed cakes as a source of bioactive compounds that merit further investigation.

Insights into Osteogenesis Induced by Crude Brassicaceae Seeds Extracts: A Role for Glucosinolates.

Background/Objectives: Crude extracts from the Brassica genus have recently emerged as promising phytochemicals for preventing bone loss. While the most documented evidence suggests that their general biological activity is due to glucosinolates' (GLSs') hydrolysis products, the direct activity of GLSs is beginning to be uncovered. However, the contribution of GLSs to the bone-sparing activity of crude Brassicaceae extracts has seldom been addressed. Here, we aimed to gain insights into this gap by studying in the same in vitro model of human osteogenesis the effect of two Brassica seed extracts (Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum) obtained from defatted seed meals, comparing them to the isolated GLSs most represented in their composition, glucoerucin (GER) and glucotropaeolin (GTL), for Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum, respectively. Methods: Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) was assessed by alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR, respectively, evaluating mineral apposition and mRNA expression of specific osteogenic genes. Results: Both Brassica extracts and GLSs increased the osteogenic differentiation, indicating that the stimulating effect of Brassica extracts can be at least partially attributed to GLSs. Moreover, these data extend previous evidence of the effect of unhydrolyzed glucoraphanin (GRA) on osteogenesis to other types of GLSs: GER and GTL. Notably, E. sativa extract and GTL induced higher osteogenic stimulation than Lepidium sativum extract and GER, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, this study expands the knowledge on the possible application of Brassica-derived bioactive molecules as natural alternatives for the prevention and treatment of bone-loss pathologies.

Microalgae Cultivated in Cattle Wastewater as a Biofertilizer: Tests on the Production of Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) and the Benefits for Sustainable Agriculture

Microalgae Cultivated in Cattle Wastewater as a Biofertilizer: Tests on the Production of Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) and the Benefits for Sustainable Agriculture

Postharvest Quality of Arugula (Eruca sativa) Microgreens Determined by Microbiological, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Parameters.

(1) Background: Cultivating microgreens is emerging as an excellent market opportunity. Their easy, short, and sustainable production methods are the main reasons they are approved by growers. However, a feature that still prevents its further spread is the microbiological risk and their rapid senescence. The present study was conducted to evaluate the post-harvest storage and shelf life of arugula microgreens in different packaging through microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory parameters; (2) Methods: Plants were stored at 5 °C in open air, vacuum sealed, and under modified atmosphere bags and tested at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days; (3) Results: Microgreens stored in all packaging were safe for consumption within ten days. Regarding physical and chemical parameters, open packaging proved to be promising, with less weight loss and slower chlorophyll degradation. The sensory analysis demonstrated that the microgreens stored in the vacuum-sealed packaging showed a decrease in quality from the fifth day onwards for all attributes. However, the MAP presented good scores with a better visual quality, similar to the fresh microgreens.

Transient salinity stress promotes secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzymes in Brassica plants

This study investigated salinity stress time-dependent responses of pak choi (Brassica campestris L.), arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.), and red frill (Brassica juncea L.), focusing on growth parameters, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activities. Salinity stress (NaCl) solution with electrical conductivity (EC) of 12.6 dS∙m⁻¹ was introduced to the rhizosphere at the specific time: from 2:00 pm on day 6 to 2:00 pm on day 7 (1st week (W)), 2:00 pm on day 13 to 2:00 pm on day 14 (2nd W), and 2:00 pm on day 20 to 2:00 pm on day 21 (3rd W). Plant growth parameters were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transplantation (WAT), showing detailed changes over time. Pak choi exhibited a significant increase in biomass at 2nd W, whereas arugula and red frill showed no marked differential reactions. Glucosinolates (GLS), phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities were analyzed at 2 and 3 WAT. Maximum GLS concentrations in pak choi and arugula plants occurred in the 3rd W under 3 WAT. Phenolic concentrations in the arugula peaked under the 2nd W treatment. Regarding pak choi, the 1st W treatment at 3 WAT and 2nd W treatment at 2 WAT exhibited maximum DPPH scavenging activity and peroxidase (POD). The 2nd W treatment at 2 WAT indicated the highest total phenol concentration and POD activity in arugula. Red frill exhibited significantly elevated total glucosinolate concentrations under salinity conditions at 3rd W. This analysis reveals how salinity stress affects growth and biochemical responses in these vegetables, offering insights for optimizing cultivation under saline conditions.

Assessment of eruca sativa leaves extract ZnO NPs effect on the adverse effects of creatine - induced testes injury

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of Eruca sativa NPs on the harmful effects of creatine on the testes in male rats. This study used 48 male rats, in two experiments. The first experiment included determining the most effective nano-concentration of watercress extract, while the second experiment included evaluating the role of the nano-extract at the concentration that was chosen based on the results of the first experiment (60 mg/kg) against toxicity resulting from doses of creatine (4 g/kg) for 60 days. This study used 24 adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups, with six animals per group, and were treated as follows:(G1) 1 ml of 0.09% physiological solution , (G2) dosed (single dose/day) with nano-extract of Eruca sativa at a concentration of (60 mg/kg) , (G3) The animals were dosed (single dose/day) with creatine monohydrate (4 g/kg), (G4 prevention group) dosed with nano-extract of Eruca sativa (60 mg/kg) followed one hour later by a dose of creatine (4 g/kg) . The results of the study indicated a non significant in Concentration of sperm in the epididymis, Percentage of live sperm ,Percentage of motile sperm , Percentage of normal sperm, LH , FSH and Testosterone in G2 and G4 compared to G1. As for the preventive group G4, it recorded a normal results near from control group. it recorded a significant decrease (P<0.05) in Concentration of sperm in the epididymis, Percentage of live sperm ,Percentage of motile sperm , Percentage of normal sperm, LH , FSH and Testosterone in G3 compared to G1 and G2 . The results of the histological examination in G3 showed that there are interstitial spaces between the seminiferous tubules and few sperm in the cavities of the tubules with reduction and disintegration of the interstitial tissue and a lack of Leydig cells and a decrease in the size of the germinal epithelial cell layer with cell degeneration necrosis of cells lining the tubules compared to G1,G2 and G4. The results of this article revealed the positive effects of Eruca sativa leaf ZnO NPs extract on the adverse effects of creatine-induced testes injury.

Inoculation with Jeotgalicoccus sp. improves nutritional quality and biological value of Eruca sativa by enhancing amino acid and phenolic metabolism and increasing mineral uptake, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are considered a promising tool for triggering the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants and to produce healthy foods. This study aimed to demonstrate the impact of PGPB on the growth, accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites, biological activities, and nutritional qualities of Eruca sativa (arugula), a key leafy vegetable worldwide. To this end, Jeotgalicoccus sp. (JW0823), was isolated and identified by using partial 16S rDNA-based identification and phylogenetic analysis. The findings revealed that JW0823 significantly boosted plant biomass production by about 45% (P<0.05) and enhanced pigment contents by 47.5% to 83.8%. JW0823-treated plants showed remarkable improvements in their proximate composition and vitamin contents, with vitamin E levels increasing by 161.5%. JW0823 induced the accumulation of bioactive metabolites including antioxidants, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids, thereby improving the nutritional qualities of treated plants. An increase in the amounts of amino acids was recorded, with isoleucine showing the highest increase of 270.2%. This was accompanied by increased activity of the key enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis, including glutamine synthase, dihydrodipicolinate synthase, cystathionine γ-synthase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzymes. Consequently, the total antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the inoculated plants were enhanced. Additionally, JW0823 improved antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic microorganisms. Overall, the JW0823 treatment is a highly promising method for enhancing the health-promoting properties and biological characteristics of E. sativa, making it a valuable tool for improving the quality of this important leafy vegetable.

Assessing the response lettuce and arugula to MC-LR-contaminated water irrigation: photosynthetic changes and antioxidant defense.

Irrigation of crops with cyanotoxin-contaminated water poses a significant risk to human health. The direct phytotoxic effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the most toxic and prevalent microcystin variants in water bodies, can induce physiological stress and hinder crop development and production. This study investigated the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-LR (1 to 10µg L-1) on photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa L.) following irrigation with contaminated water. During the 15-day experiment, lettuce and arugula were exposed to various concentrations of MC-LR, and their photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, leaf tissue transpiration, and intercellular CO2 concentrations were measured using an infrared gas analyzer. These results suggest that the influence of MC-LR on gas exchange in crops is concentration-dependent, with notable disruptions during exposure and recovery tendency during detoxification. Antioxidant response analysis revealed that glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were upregulated during the exposure phase in the presence of MC-LR. However, GST activity decreased during the detoxification phase in both crops, although the effects of the toxin at 10µg L-1 were still evident in arugula. The internal H2O2 concentration in the crops increased after exposure to MC-LR, showing a time- and concentration-dependent pattern, with an increase during the exposure phase (days 1-7) and a decrease during the detoxification phase (days 8-15). Irrigation of lettuce and arugula with MC-LR-contaminated water affected various aspects of the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant responses, which could influence the general health and productivity of exposed crops at environmentally relevant microcystin concentrations. Furthermore, investigation of additional vegetable species and long-term MC-LR exposure can be crucial for understanding the extent of contamination risk, detoxification mechanisms, and other parameters affecting these crops.