Diplotaxis Tenuifolia Research Articles

Health Risk Assessment in Agricultural Soil Potentially Contaminated by Geogenic Thallium: Influence of Plant Species on Metal Mobility in Soil-Plant System

In agricultural soils, thallium (Tl) of geogenic origin may represent a potential risk for human health, mainly via ingestion of food crops. In this work, a pot experiment was carried out to evaluate (1) the bioavailability of Tl and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in an agricultural soil with naturally occurring Tl; (2) the uptake and accumulation of PTEs in Lactuca sativa L. var. acephala, Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. DC and Silene latifolia Poir; (3) the health risks arising from plant and soil ingestion by different subpopulations and dermal contact of soil by farmers. In soil, only Tl and Pb pseudototal contents were above Italian screening values. Nevertheless, the promptly bioavailable contents of all PTEs were always below internationally recognized trigger values. Plants affected PTE bioavailability in soil by their rhizodepositions and accumulated PTEs in their shoots. Acceptable risks (hazard index < 1) arose from dietary intake of both L. sativa L., D. tenuifolia L. and dermal contact of soil by farmers. Significant health risks can derive from the intake of S. latifolia Poir. (accumulating high Tl concentrations), in particular by children (HI = 74). In conclusion, an adequate management and crop selection are needed to profitably exploit soils with geogenic Tl for agricultural purposes.

Feasibility study for the surface prediction and mapping of phytonutrients in minimally processed rocket leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) during storage by hyperspectral imaging

A comprehensive study of the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging in visible (400–1000 nm) and near infrared (900–1700 nm) regions was investigated for prediction and concentration mapping of Vitamin C, ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) and phenols in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) over a storage span of 12 days at 5 °C. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) with different data pretreatments and wavelength selection resulted in satisfactory predictions for all parameters in the NIR range except DHAA. Prediction models were used for concentration mapping to follow changes over time. The prediction maps will be comprehensively study to assess the pixel to pixel variation within the rocket leaves. The PLSR models for Vitamin C, AA and phenols yielded an R2 of 0.76, 0.73 and 0.78, respectively in external prediction with root mean square errors approximately equivalent to those of reference analysis. Conclusively, hyperspectral imaging, with the correct mapping approach, can be a useful tool for the prediction and mapping of phytonutrients in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) over time.

Interactive Effect of Nitrogen and Azoxystrobin on Yield, Quality, Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency of Wild Rocket in Southern Italy

Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. DC) is an emerging vegetable which market requires high-quality standards that can be obtained through appropriate cultivation techniques such as the right level of nitrogen and the application of biostimulant substances. These include strobilurins, marketed mainly as fungicides that can have complementary positive effects on the yield, quality and resources’ use efficiency of many crops. For this reason, a trial in an unheated greenhouse, in Southern Italy, to evaluate the possibility of using Azoxystrobin to improve the production of wild rocket subjected to different nitrogen inputs, was carried out. Two N levels (40 and 140 kg ha−1), Azoxystrobin-based biostimulant (Azo+) and control without Azoxystrobin (Azo−) were compared. The yield, morphological characteristics, nitrogen and water use efficiency (NUE, WUE), antioxidant activity, the content of dry matter, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenols, and nitrates were assessed. A higher N level resulted in a 16.3% yield increase that was matched by a 12.5% reduction in NUE, 15.8, 7.3, and 16.1% increases in yield WUE (Y_WUE), biomass WUE (B_WUE), and irrigation yield WUE (IY_WUE), respectively, and a worsening of some qualitative characteristics such as a 8.5% rise in nitrates, and a decline by 11.5, 10.1, and 26.1% in the carotenoids, phenols, and antioxidant activity, respectively. Azo+ increased the yield by 10.3%, NUE by 8.9%, and Y_WUE, B_WUE, and IY_WUE, by 13.9, 9.1, and 13.8% respectively. Moreover, Azo+ improved some qualitative characteristics such as total phenols (+9.4%), chlorophyll (+15.2%), carotenoids (+9.7%), and antioxidant activity (+17.4%), while it did not affect the nitrate content. Azoxystrobin can be an additional tool available for farmers to ensure high-quality standards of wild rocket.

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. Yield and Quality as Influenced by Cropping Season, Protein Hydrolysates, and Trichoderma Applications.

Increasing attention is being given to plant biostimulants as a sustainable farming practice aimed to enhance vegetable crop performance. This research was conducted on greenhouse-grown perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.), comparing three biostimulant treatments (legume-derived protein hydrolysates, Trichoderma harzianum T22, and protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma harzianum T22) plus an untreated control, in a factorial combination with three cropping seasons (autumn–winter, winter, winter–spring). Measurements were performed on leaf yield components, colorimetric indicators, mineral composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. Leaf marketable yield and mean weight, as well as plant dry weight, showed the highest values in winter crop cycle. Biostimulant treatments resulted in 18.4% and 26.4% increase in leaf yield and number of leaves per rosette, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Protein hydrolysates led to the highest plant dry weight (+34.7% compared to the control). Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index as well as NO3, PO4, SO4, and Ca contents were influenced more during the winter–spring season than the winter cropping season. The winter production season resulted in a 19.8% increase in the leaf lipophilic antioxidant activity, whereas the hydrophilic antioxidant activity was 34.9% higher during the winter–spring season. SPAD index was the highest with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma applications, which also increased the colorimetric parameters compared to the untreated control. The treatment with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma enhanced N, PO4, Mg, and Na contents, compared to both biostimulants applied singly and to the untreated control. Both biostimulants applied alone or the protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma combination led to the increase of the lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activity, as well as ascorbic acid and chlorophyll b, compared to the untreated control. The present research revealed that protein hydrolysates and Trichoderma single applications, and even more their combination in the case of some nutrients content, represent an effective tool for enhancing the yield and the quality attributes of perennial wall rocket produced under the perspective of sustainable crop system.

First Report of Stem Necrosis and Leaf Spot of Tomato Caused by Albifimbria verrucaria in Italy

First Report of Stem Necrosis and Leaf Spot of Tomato Caused by <i>Albifimbria verrucaria</i> in Italy

Red Light Is Effective in Reducing Nitrate Concentration in Rocket by Increasing Nitrate Reductase Activity, and Contributes to Increased Total Glucosinolates Content.

Rocket cultivation is increasing to supply the expanding ready-to-eat market because of its unique taste, but crops are often over fertilized to avoid nitrogen deficiencies. This leads to nitrate accumulation in leaves, and the products of their degradation (nitrites and nitrosamines) have been related to several health problems. Nitrate concentrations in rocket and other leafy vegetables are subject to limits by the EU legislation, yet rocket holds a great nutritional value. Degradation products of glucosinolates (isothiocyanates) have been consistently linked with benefits to human health. We investigated the influence of nitrogen application (1 and 8 mM), species [Eruca sativa (L.) Cav. and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.] and light spectrum (full spectrum, red, blue and red + blue) on the nitrate concentration, nitrate reductase activity and glucosinolate content of rocket grown in a soil-less system. Red light decreased the nitrate concentration with respect to the blue spectrum (4,270 vs. 7,100 mg⋅kg–1 of fresh weight, respectively), but such reduction was influenced by the species and the nitrogen level (significantly higher in D. tenuifolia and with the higher concentration of N). The nitrate reductase activity increased under red light in D. tenuifolia, with the lower N concentration. Rocket is known to contain several health-promoting compounds mainly antioxidants and glucosinolates, as secondary metabolites that act as part of plant defense mechanisms. The total content of glucosinolates was mainly affected by the species (D. tenuifolia showed the highest concentrations). Our results will help growers to tailor light spectra with the aim of reducing nitrate concentration and to remain within EU legislative limits, without any detrimental influence on other qualitative parameters in rocket.

Borage extracts affect wild rocket quality and influence nitrate and carbon metabolism.

Market is increasingly demanding vegetables with high quality and nutraceutical characteristics. It was demonstrated that leafy vegetables can get benefit from biostimulants, for the reduction of nitrate concentration and the increment of antioxidants, with potential benefit for human health. The research purpose was to investigate on the role of a novel plant-based biostimulant in affecting nitrogen and carbon metabolism in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.). Foliar spray treatments were performed with extracts obtained from borage (Borago officinalis L.) leaves and flowers. To evaluate the treatments effect, in vivo determinations (chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll content) were performed. At harvest, nitrate concentration, sucrose, total sugars, chlorophyll, and carotenoids levels were measured in leaves. In order to characterize the mechanism of action also at molecular level, a set of genes encoding for some of the key enzymes implicated in nitrate and carbon metabolism was selected and their expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Interesting results concerned the increment of sucrose, coherent with a high value of Fv/Fm, in addition to a significant reduction of nitrate and ABA than control, and an enhanced NR in vivo activity. Also, genes expression was influenced by extracts, with a more pronounced effect on N related genes.

Evaluation of different carbon sources for anaerobic soil disinfestation against Rhizoctonia solani on lettuce in controlled production systems

Effects of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) on Rhizoctonia solani basal rot of lettuce were assessed considering: two soil types; different C-sources; different temperature regimes; two treatment durations; and two lettuce crop cycles, in the presence of a high disease incidence from artificial infestation with the pathogen. C-source, temperature, and incubation period, and their interaction, affected the efficacy of the ASD treatment for the lettuce–R. solani pathosystem, with differences depending on the soil type. Brassica carinata pellets, used as a C-source, reduced incidence of Rhizoctonia basal rot in the first crop cycle by 50 to 69% in a peat soil after 3 weeks of treatment at 21°C, and by 52 to 60% after 3 weeks of treatment at 26 or 31°C, compared to the inoculated and untreated experimental controls without anaerobic conditions. The best disease reduction was provided by B. carinata pellets applied, under anaerobic conditions, to peat soil (79% efficacy) and a sandy loam soil (100% efficacy) kept at 31°C for 6 weeks. Generally, ASD based on B. carinata pellets provided greater disease reduction in the first crop cycle than the second, with the only exception being for results achieved in both soils incubated for 6 weeks at 21, 26 and 31°C. Wild rocket used as a C-source provided the greatest disease reduction (78–83%) on plants grown in peat soil at the first crop cycle after 6 weeks of the ASD treatment at 31°C, while wild rocket provided disease reduction of 29 and 50% when mixed with the sandy-loam soil under the same conditions for 6 weeks. The efficacy of the ASD treatment with compost was improved in the second crop cycle, compared to the first, resulting in the greatest disease reduction (52 and 66% efficacy) reached in the sandy-loam soil incubated for 3 weeks at 21°C, and 63% efficacy in peat soil previously treated for 6 weeks at 26 and 31°C. However, slight reductions in lettuce plant development was generally evident in the first crop cycle, which could be due to differences in efficacy of the tested ASD treatments and to phytotoxicity. The greatest yield from sandy loam soil was obtained for the B. carinata pellets and wild rocket at 26 and 31°C in the second cultivation cycle. Partial efficacy of ASD does not justify the adoption of this method against R. solani on lettuce under intensive crop systems. However, ASD based on Brassicaceae and compost as carbon source applied in a sandy-loam soil may be valuable for reducing R. solani incidence, at lower temperatures than those required for soil solarisation or biosolarisation.

Growth temperature influences postharvest glucosinolate concentrations and hydrolysis product formation in first and second cuts of rocket salad.

Rocket salad species (Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa; also known as E. vesicaria) are known for their high concentrations of health-related isothiocyanates, which are derived from secondary metabolites called glucosinolates. Increases in temperature due to climate change and extreme weather event frequencies over the coming decades are likely to influence not only the growth of leafy vegetables, but also their nutritional density. It is therefore essential to determine the impacts of these in order to mitigate crop losses and nutritional decline in future. Our data show there is a strong influence of pre-harvest growth temperatures on glucosinolate biosynthesis and formation of glucosinolate hydrolysis products postharvest, and that this is genotype dependent. High growth temperature (40 °C) severely retarded germination, growth, regrowth, and survival of rocket plants. Highest glucosinolate concentrations were observed in first and second cuts at 40 °C, but did not correspond to highest isothiocyanate concentrations (observed at 30 °C, second cut). Hydrolysis product formation is proportionately not as great as glucosinolate increases at 40 °C, possibly due to inhibition of enzyme function(s) at higher temperatures. These data indicate that high growth temperatures increase glucosinolate accumulation, but growth and productivity is significantly reduced. Much greater emphasis is needed for breeding cultivars tolerant to high growth temperatures in order to maximise nutritional benefits imparted by temperature stress.

Characterization of cytoplasmic female sterility in an alloplasmic and monosomic addition line of Brassica rapa carrying the cytoplasm and one chromosome of Diplotaxis tenuifolia.

Alloplasmic plants exhibit various phenotypic changes such as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). We have been attempting to produce an alloplasmic Brassica rapa CMS line (2n = 20) carrying Diplotaxis tenuifolia cytoplasm (cyt-Dt) for several years, but a single extra chromosome always remained in all lines produced. We confirmed a D. tenuifolia-specific band in the alloplasmic line carrying D. tenuifolia cytoplasm by RAPD analysis, indicating that the additional chromosome was derived from D. tenuifolia. Here, we observed the phenotypic characteristics of the alloplasmic B. rapa monosomic addition line, named (cyt-Dt) B. rapa MAL, and investigated why a single extra chromosome is required in its genetic background for viability. When the (cyt-Dt) B. rapa MALs were crossed with pollen of several B. rapa lines, approximately 50% of the ovules attracted pollen tubes, and all the progeny had the additional chromosome. These results suggested that only the female gametes with n = 11 rather than n = 10 were fertilized and developed into mature seeds, and that cytoplasmic female sterility was overcome by nuclear restorer gene(s) derived from the cytoplasmic donor species.

МЕЛИТТОФИЛЬНЫЙ КОМПЛЕКС РАСТЕНИЙ, ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЮЩИХ КОРМОВУЮ БАЗУ МЕДОНОСНЫХ ПЧЕЛ (APIS MELLIFERA) В ГОРНО-ЛЕСНОЙ ЗОНЕ КРЫМА

For the first time, in the mountain-forest ecosystems of Crimea of parcel organization level adjacent to the beehives of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), a species composition of plants representing the melittophilic complex has been identified which provides honey bees with pollen and nectar during the entire warm season. The complex includes 57 species of plants where the honey bees that collect pollen or nectar have been registered. The core of the melittophilic complex consisted of 35 species of plants, the proportion of simultaneously flowering (in any period of the season) flowers of each one exceeded 2.5 % of the total number of flowers of all flowering species at this time. In early spring, the list of such species included 15 plant species belonging to 14 genera and 12 families. In this period, the decisive forage value (species whose flower share exceeded 10 % of all flowering flowers) was represented by 4 plant species: Cornus mas L., Corylus avellana L., Dentaria quinquefolia M. B. and Prunus divaricata Ledeb., the important value (the flowers share made &lt;10 %, but &gt;2.5 %) had 4 species: Ficaria verna Huds., Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb., Primula vulgaris Huds. and Scilla bifolia L. In spring, the forage base made up 20 plant species belonging to 18 genera and 7 families. Four species had decisive forage value: Cerasus avium L., Malus sylvestris L., Prunus spinosa L. and Pyrus elaeagrifolia Jacq., 7 species had important value: Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Fragaria vesca L., Lamium purpureum L., Crepis pulchra L., Prunus domestica L., Thlaspi arvense L. and Trifolium ambiguum M. Most of the species belonged to the Rosaceae family (10 species). In summer period, the forage basis comprised 20 species of melittophilic plants belonging to 19 genera and 9 families. 5 species had decisive value: Cichorium intybus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Echium vulgare L., Medicago sativa L. and Trifolium ambiguum M., the important value had 7 species: Achillea millefolium L., Betonica officinalis L., Ballota nigra L., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Clematis vitalba L., Linaria vulgaris Mill. and Onobrychis sativa Lam. The representatives of the Asteraceae family (7 species) dominated; the representatives of Fabaceae (5 species) and Lamiaceae (4 species) also played a significant role. In autumn, there were the following food sources for honey bees: Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Erýngium campéstre L., Carduus crispus L., and on the steppe slopes of the mountains: Scilla autumnalis L. and Crocus speciosus M. B. It has been established that the greatest number of melittophilic plant species in the studied mountain-forest biogeocenoses grow on parcels of forest edges and glades, steppe slopes of the mountains in their natural state. Oak-hornbeam and floodplain tree-shrub parcels have a smaller variety of species, but are essential for bees in early spring and spring..

Viroze rukole

Arugula is a leafy vegetable crop belonging to the Brassicaceae family, currently grown in several agricultural areas around the world. The two main species that are mostly grown as lettuce crops are Eruca sativa ("cultivated" rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia ("wild" rocket). It is distributed all over the world and is usually consumed fresh (leaves) due to its typical sharp spicy taste. It has a variety of medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is grown in open fields or more often in greenhouses. Along with the increase in the demand for arugula and the intensification of production, an increasing occurrence of diseases and pests has been recorded. Viral diseases are a limiting factor for successful production and a potential threat to the failure of crops. Therefore, this research provides an overview of the literature of viruses registered so far on arugula. As viruses are a serious problem in plant production, and in arugula it is insufficiently researched, it is necessary to further elaborate on this topic.

Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles in Some Dune Vegetation Species from Istanbul

Dunes are one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the nature and they are considered as a special habitat type hosting valuable genetic resources. Dunes located in Turkey are very rich in terms of plant diversity. Istanbul has special place for the richness of endemic and rare species in its dune vegetations. Biochemical characteristics of some plant species growing in Istanbul dunes, which are under immense threat during the recent years have been examined in the present study. Seed samples and aerial parts of the plants have been analysed for fatty acid and amino acid compositions. The higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid were quantified in Euphorbia paralias (48.24%) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (24.47%). Linoleic acid concentrations were detected at the higher levels in Xanthium strumarium (68.51%) and Otanthus maritimus (66.62%). Eryngium campestre (44.97%), Cyperus capitatus (44.27%) and Eryngium maritimum (41.88%) were found to have high oleic acid concentrations. 20,32% punicic acid was detected in Ecballium elaterium. The higher concentrations of some essential amino acids were observed in the seeds. Proline is the dominant amino acid in the aerial parts of all taxa examined. Significant correlations between amino acid concentrations were calculated. The data obtained in the present study reveal that regarding plants as novel crops can be efficient for utilization in biochemical and biotechnological applications in many fields such as human nutrition, health and other industrial purposes.

Transcriptional Regulation in Rocket Leaves as Affected by Salinity.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress causing yield losses and decreasing product quality. The beneficial effects of biostimulant products to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses have been reported in several crops, but their mode of action is poorly understood. This work aims to better understand the effect of salt stress on wild rocket treated with a borage extract. The expression of some of the transcription factors (TFs) typically involved in salt stress response was studied within a 24 h period. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, chlorophyll a fluorescence, carotenoids, phenols, and anthocyanin were analyzed. Results obtained showed that salt stress induced a general increase in the expression levels of almost all TFs studied, whereas the treatment with the plant-base extract only induced an increase at specific time points. Moreover, the approach adopted allowed indagating the change in gene expression during time. Different pathways such as sugars metabolism, cuticular wax biosynthesis, and brassinosteroids signaling took part in plant responses.

Short-Term Post-Harvest Stress that Affects Profiles of Volatile Organic Compounds and Gene Expression in Rocket Salad During Early Post-Harvest Senescence.

Once harvested, leaves undergo a process of senescence which shares some features with developmental senescence. These include changes in gene expression, metabolites, and loss of photosynthetic capacity. Of particular interest in fresh produce are changes in nutrient content and the aroma, which is dependent on the profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Leafy salads are subjected to multiple stresses during and shortly after harvest, including mechanical damage, storage or transport under different temperature regimes, and low light. These are thought to impact on later shelf life performance by altering the progress of post-harvest senescence. Short term stresses in the first 24 h after harvest were simulated in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). These included dark (ambient temperature), dark and wounding (ambient temperature), and storage at 4 °C in darkness. The effects of stresses were monitored immediately afterwards and after one week of storage at 10 °C. Expression changes in two NAC transcription factors (orthologues of ANAC059 and ANAC019), and a gene involved in isothiocyanate production (thiocyanate methyltransferase, TMT) were evident immediately after stress treatments with some expression changes persisting following storage. Vitamin C loss and microbial growth on leaves were also affected by stress treatments. VOC profiles were differentially affected by stress treatments and the storage period. Overall, short term post-harvest stresses affected multiple aspects of rocket leaf senescence during chilled storage even after a week. However, different stress combinations elicited different responses.

Growing Conditions Affect the Phytochemical Composition of Edible Wall Rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides)

Wall rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides) is a wild vegetable with the potential to become a crop of high antioxidant quality. The main bioactive compounds include ascorbic acid (AA), sinigrin, and a high content of total phenolic compounds (TP). It also accumulates nitrates. Since these compounds are affected by environmental conditions, adequate crop management may enhance its quality. Eleven accessions of wall rocket were evaluated under field and greenhouse conditions during two cycles (winter and spring) and compared to Eruca sativa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia crops. The three species did not differ greatly. As an exception, sinigrin was only identified in wall rocket. For the within-species analysis, the results revealed a high effect of the growing system, but this was low among accessions. The highest contents of AA and TP were obtained under field conditions. In addition, the levels of nitrates were lower in this system. A negative correlation between nitrates and antioxidants was determined. As a counterpart, cultivation in the field–winter environment significantly decreased the percentage of humidity (87%). These results are of relevance for the adaptation of wall rocket to different growing conditions and suggest that the field system enhances its quality. The low genotypic differences suggest that intra-species selections in breeding programs may consider other aspects with greater variation.

Influence of Tap and Hot Water Treatment Before Short-Term Storage on Biologically Active Compounds and Sensory Quality of Wild Rocket Leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.)

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dipping in tap and hot water (53 or 55 °C) before storage and conditions during short-term storage: 4 days at 18–20 °C temperature or 7 days at 0 or 5 °C, on contents of total polyphenols, ascorbic acid, antiradical activity, and sensory quality of leaves of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.). The highest sensory values, ascorbic acid contents, and antiradical activity were found in fresh leaves. Treatments with tap and hot water before storage reduced ascorbic acid contents and antiradical activity, as well as most sensory parameters regardless of storage conditions. The highest overall quality of wild rocket after storage for 4 days at 18–20 °C was found for leaves not dipped or dipped in tap water. Dipping of the wild rocket in the water at 53 or 55 °C for 3 or 5 s did not improve the overall quality of stored leaves compared with leaves not dipped or dipped in tap water.

Investigation of yield, yield components and nutrient contents of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.)

Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is vital in natural areas and soil protections as well as in human and animal nutrition. The study was conducted to determine the appropriate row spacing of Turkey’s native plant wild rocket in Konya conditions. This study was conducted in 2015; observations and measurements were carried out in the second (i.e., 2016) and third (i.e., 2017) years. In this study, fodder yield and its components consisted of plant height, canopy diameter, number of branches, fresh and dry fodder yield per plant, and dry fodder yield per hectare and seed yield and its components consisted of number of pods per branch, number of pods per plant, 1000 grains weight, seed yield per plant, and seed yield per hectare were examined. Macro and micronutrient contents of the plant were also analyzed in 2016. The results show that seed yield values such as seed yield (i.e., 76.2 kg ha−1) and 1000 grains weight (i.e., 1.00 g) were higher in 2016. However, in 2017, while seed yield was lower, plant height (i.e., 92.78 cm), canopy diameter (i.e., 85.67 cm), and fodder yield (i.e., 20339.5 kg ha−1) were higher. In nutrient contents (especially Ca, K, and Fe), 20- and 30-cm row spacings were determined as significant. Furthermore, the yield values related to dry fodder and seed yields are higher with 20- and 30-cm row spacings. This study indicated that 20- and 30-cm row spacings are recommended row spacing for wild rocket culture.

Growth, yield and mineral content of basil and cultivated rocket due to plant density and nitrogen level

ABSTRACT There is limited information on how plant density and nitrogen (N) application rate for basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and cultivated rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.] affect crop growth, and yield and quality. A field trial was conducted to assess effects of plant density, N application rate, and their interaction, on growth and yield of basil and cultivated rocket during 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. The N levels (60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 kg ha−1) and plant densities for basil at 40000, 62500 and 93750 plants ha−1, and plant densities for rocket at 40000, 80000 or 133333 plants ha−1 were used. Leaf chlorophyll content of basil was improved by application of N at 120 kg ha−1 while that of rocket was improved at 120–180 kg ha−1 N. Leaf yield of basil and rocket was not improved with N application at 60–180 kg ha−1. Fresh leaf mass and area increased with increased plant density for both crops, with higher yield in 2016 than 2017. Potassium leaf content of basil was highest at 150 kg∙ha−1 of N and plant density of 40000 plants ha−1. Plant density at 40000 plants ha−1 for rocket produced high K leaf content at 120 kg∙ha−1 of N. Leaf N, Ca and Mg contents for basil were improved at 62500 or 93750 plants ha−1. Application of 60 kg ha−1 N at 93750 plants ha−1 for basil, and 60 kg∙ha−1 of N at 133333 plants ha−1 for rocket were suitable for improved leaf yield. Increasing plant density and providing a reasonable amount of N could be useful to obtain high marketable leaf yield along with efficient N management to reduce environmental cost of production.

Factors of different quality seeds of green cultures of the &lt;i&gt;Brassicaceae&lt;/i&gt; family

RelevanceThe phenomenon of the different quality of seeds of the sowing seedEruca sativa,Diplotaxis tenuifolia,Brassica junceaby coloring was studied. Color heterogeneity is usually combined with the size and weight of seeds.MethodsResearch tasks: determine the number of seeds available for coloring in depending on different years of reproduction; identify the best fractions of morphological, physiological and productive qualities; to study the peculiarities of influence on the manifestation of ecological, agrotechnical and hereditary factors heterospermia.ResultsSeeds with a higher mass of 1000 were predominantly dark in color. The content of total nitrogen in light seeds was 0.2-0.3%, and crude protein was 1.3-1.9% more than dark-colored ones. The distribution of seeds of different colors in batches of different years of reproduction is shown. The best fractions of seeds by morphological, physiological and productive qualities are revealed. It has been shown that productivity and its components are higher in plants grown from seeds of dark color. The correlation of the parameters of seeds of different quality with the weather conditions of the vegetation period is noted. For all three crops, there was a steady increase in the proportion of light seeds with an increase in average daily air temperature (r = 0.59-0.94). The features of the influence of environmental, agrotechnical and hereditary factors on the manifestations of heterospermia are studied. However, the degree of influence of environmental, including agrotechnical factors in some cases turns out to be much stronger. The maximum proportion of dark (most productive) seeds is provided by a combination of optimal weather conditions, agrotechnical methods (early sowing, ripening), seed collection from shoots 1-3 orders of branching and use for sowing the dark fraction of seeds.