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Carotenoids are natural antioxidants, affecting apoptosis, absorbing active forms of oxygen, and improving visual performance through their blue light filtering capabilities. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids of the macular pigment that play a significant role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. We analyzed the dietary sources of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin of young adults living in a megapolis. We analyzed 431 food frequency questionnaires and used two different criteria for comparison: age (groups A1 and A2) and season (groups S1, spring, and S2, autumn). Raw red tomatoes and eggs are the main sources of carotenoids for the majority of respondents regardless of age and season. Significant differences between age groups were found for parsley, carrot, cheeseburger, and spring onion. Foods with high levels of carotenoids (tomato juice, pumpkin, spinach, and sprouts) were absent in the diets of most of the study participants. Watermelons and persimmons are seasonal sources of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Dietary sources of carotenoids are present in insufficient quantities in the diets. Foods with high levels of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are absent or only occasionally included in the diet.

Metabolome analysis of flavored vegetables, green spring onion (Allium fistulosum), Chinese chive (A. tuberosum), and their interspecies hybrid Negi-Nira chive, was conducted using liquid chromatography-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry, with ca. 2 ppm mass accuracy. Ion peaks in the chromatograms of four biological replicates of the vegetable leaves were processed using the alignment software PowerGet for metabolite comparison, from which we obtained the potential chemical formulae. In total, 860 ion peaks were reproducibly detected; of these, 506, 525, and 336 peaks were found in the hybrid, A. tuberosum, and A. fistulosum, respectively. There were 130 peaks specific to the hybrid; from these, 31 metabolites were annotated by searching compound databases. The sulfur-containing compounds and flavonoids were further analyzed using bioinformatics, to examine the sulfur metabolism of Allium volatiles and the flavonoid pathways in these species. In conclusion, our metabolome analysis of this interspecies hybrid and its parents provides a unique opportunity to elucidate their metabolic background.

Nitrogen (N) management is important for farmers to balance production, economic and environmental performance of their farms. This is particularly true in the intensive cropping systems of northwest Europe where tuber, root and bulb crops are cultivated in rotation with cereal crops and where an intensive livestock sector makes organic manures available at low cost for arable farmers. Here, we build upon a large database of farmer field data to assess mineral and organic fertiliser N performance, and its determinants, for the major arable crops in the Netherlands according to the guidelines provided by the EU N Expert Panel (EUNEP). The EUNEP framework quantifies N outputs and N inputs, N-use efficiency as the ratio between N outputs and N inputs (NUE in kg N output harvested per kg N input) and N surplus as the difference between N inputs and N outputs (Ns in kg N ha−1). As a next step, biophysical and crop management determinants of N performance were explored using data from different years, soil types and N management in relation to the amount, source, time and method of N applied. NUE was on average ca. 0.95 kg N kg−1 N for seed potato, sugar beet and spring onion, 0.87 kg N kg−1 N for ware potato, ca. 0.80 kg N kg−1 N for starch potato and winter wheat and, ca. 0.70 kg N kg−1 N for spring barley, all within or above the target range of 0.50–0.90 kg N kg−1 N proposed by the EUNEP. Ns was on average below the EUNEP threshold of 80 kg N ha−1 for all crops: 78 kg N ha−1 for ware potato and winter wheat, ca. 70 kg N ha−1 for starch potato, ca. 50 kg N ha−1 for spring barley, ca. 25 kg N ha−1 for sugar beet and spring onion and less than 20 kg N ha−1 for seed potato. Although average Ns was below 80 kg N ha−1, ca. 40% of the ware potato, starch potato and winter wheat fields analyzed had Ns above this threshold. The relatively high NUE combined with high Ns for most crops are the result of high N outputs (yields) combined with high N application rates. Moreover, high NUE and small Ns were mostly associated with smaller N application rates and with the use of mineral fertilisers instead of organic fertilisers, while there were no clear relationships between the two indicators on the one hand with N application time or method on the other. We conclude NUE and Ns were on average within the EUNEP target range for most crops, but there are still a considerable number of under-performing farms where increases in NUE and reductions in Ns are possible through reducing N inputs. We recommend future research to assess the benefits of organic fertilisers from a circularity perspective at regional and national levels and to cross-validate the crop-specific results presented in this study with NUE assessments at cropping systems level., This research was conducted as part of the WaterFARMING project “Improvement of water and nutrient retention and use efficiency in arable farming systems from field to catchment scale in Europe and North Africa” funded by the Netherlands Science Foundation (NWO) with grant agreement ALWWW20161.

Main conclusion Storage at an elevated partial pressure of oxygen and classical artificial ageing cause a rapid loss of seed viability of short-lived vegetable seeds. Abstract Prolonging seed longevity during storage is of major importance for gene banks and the horticultural industry. Slowing down biochemical deterioration, including oxygen-dependent deterioration caused by oxidative processes can boost longevity. This can be affected by the seed structure and the oxygen permeability of seed coat layers. Classical artificial seed ageing assays are used to estimate seed 'shelf-life' by mimicking seed ageing via incubating seeds at elevated temperature and elevated relative humidity (causing elevated equilibrium seed moisture content). In this study, we show that seed lots of vegetable Allium species are short-lived both during dry storage for several months and in seed ageing assays at elevated seed moisture levels. Micromorphological analysis of the Allium cepa x Allium fistulosum salad onion seed identified intact seed coat and endosperm layers. Allium seeds equilibrated at 70% relative humidity were used to investigate seed ageing at tenfold elevated partial pressure of oxygen (high pO2) at room temperature (22 ºC) in comparison to classical artificial ageing at elevated temperature (42 ºC). Our results reveal that 30 days high pO2 treatment causes a rapid loss of seed viability which quantitatively corresponded to the seed viability loss observed by ~ 7 days classical artificial ageing. A similar number of normal seedlings develop from the germinating (viable) proportion of seeds in the population. Many long-lived seeds first exhibit a seed vigour loss, evident from a reduced germination speed, preceding the loss in seed viability. In contrast to this, seed ageing of our short-lived Allium vegetable seems to be characterised by a rapid loss in seed viability.

Red pepper is one of the most important spices in the Republic of Korea, and fraudulent practices during manufacturing of red pepper products can cause social concerns. In this study we conducted the regulatory survey to verify the labeling compliance of red pepper products sold on the South Korea commercial market. We designed species-specific primer sets for five common ingredients (red pepper, garlic, onion, spring onion, and ginger) and developed reliable real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods using SYBR Green I dye to identify the ingredients used in red pepper products. Sixty-six commercial red pepper products were analyzed using our real-time PCR methods for the presence of potential mislabeling. The results of fifty-one samples were consistent with their labeling information, whereas the results for fifteen samples, described as red pepper powder and seasoned red pepper sauce, did not satisfy their manufacturing criteria. Our findings demonstrated that the developed real-time PCR methods could be efficiently utilized for rapid monitoring of commercial red pepper products.

A method was validated for estimating fluopyram and tebuconazole in onion on LC-MS/MS using dispersive QuEChERS. Three sprays of a combination fungicide fluopyram + tebuconazole (Luna experience, 400 SC) were applied @ 75 + 75 and 150 + 150 g a.i. ha−1 at an interval of 10 days on onion using Knapsack sprayer. First spray was made at bulb setting stage. Spring onion samples were drawn at 0 (1 h), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 days and matured onion bulb at harvest (52 days) after the last spray. Soil samples were also drawn at harvest. Foliar application of the combination product resulted in 1.14 and 2.86 mg kg−1 fluopyram residues on spring onion at standard and double dose, respectively, one hour after the last application. The levels of fluopyram residues gradually declined and recorded 0.25 and 0.58 mg kg−1 on 20th day of application with half-lives of 8.8 and 9.1 days at standard and double dose, respectively. For tebuconazole, the corresponding residues observed after 1 h (0 day) of application were 0.92 and 2.29 mg kg−1. The levels declined gradually to 0.12 and 0.33 mg kg−1 on 20th days with half-life of 6.7 to 7.7 days at standard and double dose, respectively. Here, we are proposing a pre-harvest interval of 7 day for fluopyram and tebuconazole in spring onion when applied at 75 + 75 g a.i. ha−1 (400 SC). Risk assessment was done by calculating hazard quotient and by comparing theoretical maximum residue intake (TMRI) with maximum permissible intake (MPI). In all the cases, results of the study showed that HQ (Hazard Quotient) ≤1 and TMDI

Many dumpsites in the urban communities in Ghana are used for cultivation of crops, especially vegetables. However, these dumpsites may serve as potential sources of soil heavy metals that could enter the food chain mainly through cultivated food crops with serious consequences on human health. This study investigated the levels of two heavy metals, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), in the soil and tissues of vegetables grown on such dumpsites. Soil and tissue (lettuce, cabbage, spring onion, tomato and the leaves of Xanthosoma sagitifolium) samples were collected from ten locations with two of these locations used as control. The samples were acid-digested and the metal concentrations determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Pb and Cd contents of soils from all the eight dumpsites and one of the control locations were above the guidelines recommended by FAO and WHO. The highest Cd level in the soil (13.6 mgkg-1 of Cd) was found at Aketego dumpsite and the highest soil Pb (36.1 mgkg-1 Pb) was recorded at Meduma dumpsite. The leafy vegetables, cabbage, lettuce and X. sagitifolium (locally called ‘kontomire’) recorded relatively higher amounts of Pb and Cd in the edible parts. Further studies are required to determine how much of the daily diet these vegetables contribute to the total diets of the population and special attention to calculating the overall daily doses of Cd and Pb to pregnant mothers and children

The dissipation and removal of the etofenprox residue was studied in spring onion grown under greenhouse conditions. Samples of spring onion were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days after last application, and removal rates of etofenprox by washing and drying processes were measured. Samples were extracted with acetone and partitioned with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane layer was then concentrated, cleaned up with florisil column chromatography, and analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UVD). At the fortification levels of 0.5, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg, recoveries ranged from 92.0 to 107.7%, with a coefficient of variation of 4.3-7.9% (n = 3). The method limit of quantification (MLOQ) was found to be 0.05 mg/kg in spring onion. The half-lives of etofenprox in spring onion were found to be 9.5 and 7.9 days, at the single or double application rates. Removal rates of etofenprox were 21.6-43.9 and 66.6-88.5% by various washing or drying processes, respectively.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gaseous signalling molecule with multiple biological functions in the human body. Previous research demonstrates that diallyl trisulphide (DATS) and diallyl disulphide (the two major compounds of garlic oil) can be metabolized to generate H2S in biological conditions and modulate cell signalling. In this paper, a fluorescent method for quantification of H2S releasing capacity in cell lines was developed. MCF-7 cells in 96 well plate were incubated with a H2S probe BCu for 3 h, then treated with H2S donors for 2 h, which would be metabolized by the cells and produce H2S. The resulting H2S was captured by the probe and turn on its fluorescence, which was measured with a microplate reader. Linear dose response could be established between organosulphur concentration and fluorescence intensity, and the H2S releasing capacity of a sample was determined by comparing the slope of the regression curve with that of a DATS standard obtained in parallel. With this method, the H2S releasing capacity of ten organosulphur rich fruits and vegetables (garlic, red onion, yellow onion, scallion, shallot, leek, spring onion, Chinese chives, durian, and stinky beans) were evaluated and ranked. Stinky beans (a vegetable from Southeast Asia) topped the ranking with very high H2S releasing capacity, followed by garlic and yellow onion. Our work provides new thinking on the health benefits of organosulphur-rich foods.

The shelf life of green (spring) onions was short (from 3 to 4 weeks). Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to elongate green onion shelf life by freezing at −18 °C with slight changes in antioxidant activities and pungency for each spring onion Allium cepa L. varieties (Giza 6 and Photon) which cultivated in Egypt. This study included leaves and bulbs in each varieties of spring onion. Results showed high contents of total phenols and flavonoids in leaves compared with bulbs either of Giza 6 or Photon types, therefore Giza 6 had high content of total phenols and flavonoids than Photon variety, in parallel the results were obtained of total chlorophyll and total carotenoids contents. While, chlorophyll a content showed higher than chlorophyll b in leaves than in bulbs for each variety. Results indicated that the diversity in kind of polyphenolic and flavonoids components either leaves or bulbs in each spring onion types. Benzoic acid showed the major polyphenolic compounds in the bulbs of either Giza 6 or Photon spring onions varieties (11.92% and 27.43%), while salicylic acid (8.37%) and ellagic acid (9.10%) were major ones of the leaves of Giza 6 and Photon variety. The major components of flavonoids were myricetin, quercitin and rutin in leaves and bulbs for each variety. Myricetin which was the highest flavonoids components was the major; it also showed higher percentage in the leaves than bulbs of two varieties (Giza 6 and Photon). It also was higher in Photon leaves than Giza 6 leaves. Giza 6 bulbs was highest content of pungency, then Photon bulbs followed by Giza leaves and Photon leaves at zero time till 3 months of storage at freezing. Also, results of pungency and antioxidants activity by DPPH method in leaves and bulbs for each variety indicated that there were slightly decrease during storage (3 months). Results indicated that export onion spring can be stored under freezing at −18 °C during 3 months without high changes in pungency.

The persistence and dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on onion were studied after application of their combination formulation at a standard and double dose of 75 + 150 and 150 + 300 g a.i. ha(-1). The fungicides were extracted with acetone, cleaned-up using activated charcoal (trifloxystrobin) and neutral alumina (tebuconazole). Analysis was carried out by gas chromatograph (GC) and confirmed by gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The recovery was above 80% and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.05 mg kg(-1) for both fungicides. Initial residue deposits of trifloxystrobin were 0.68 and 1.01 mg kg(-1) and tebuconazole 0.673 and 1.95 mg kg(-1) from standard and double dose treatments, respectively. Dissipation of the fungicides followed first-order kinetics and the half life of degradation was 6-6.6 days. Matured onion bulb (and field soil) harvested after 30 days was free from fungicide residues. These findings suggest recommended safe pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 14 and 25 days for spring onion consumption after treatment of Nativo 75 WG at the standard and double doses, respectively. Matured onion bulbs at harvest were free from fungicide residues.

Many scientific studies are focused on antioxidant activities in prevention, on their beneficial role for health status and age retardation. The main source of antioxidants for humans is the diet. The aim of the study was to present data for antioxidant compounds in traditional Bulgarian foods, typical of Bulgarian diet. The traditional foods selected for this study were: onion, pepper, tomatoes, green beans, apples, and wild fruit varieties – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries. Antioxidant vitamins E and C were determined by RP-HPLC/fluorescence and UV detection. Total phenolics were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Total flavonoids were measured by the aluminum chloride assay. Total carotenoids were determined by RP-HPLC/UV-Vis. The results showed that the highest amount of vitamin E was found in red peppers (2.94 mg/100g), and in raspberries (1.47 mg/100g), comparable with the level in sesame (2.4 mg/100g). Red peppers were evidenced to be the richest source of vitamin C (102 mg/100g). Total phenolics and total flavonoids as a marker of food antioxidant potential had the highest level in blueberries (670 mgGAE/100g, 190.3 mgCE/100g) and blackberries (355mgGAE/100g, 55.5 mgCE/100g). Total carotenoids are mostly detected in tomatoes (7.70 mg/100g), followed by spring onion (3.50 mg/100g). The modern analytical techniques enable the assessment of antioxidant constituents in some foods typical of the Bulgarian diet, and furthermore, on the basis of the results the assumption could be made that the Bulgarian longevity is associated not only with yogurt consumption, but with the abundance of antioxidants in the traditional diet as well. Acta Medica Medianae 2013;52(1):5-8.

Residue persistence of tebuconazole and quinalphos in immature onion bulb with leaves (spring onion), mature onion bulb and soil was studied following their spray applications 3 times. The applications were untreated control; tebuconazole @ 187.5 and 375 g a.i. ha(-1); quinalphos @ 300 and 600 g a.i. ha(-1). Initial residue deposits of tebuconazole in immature onion bulb with leaves from the two treatments were 0.628 and 1.228 mg kg(-1). The residues of tebuconazole dissipated with the half-life of 5 and 7.7 days. The safe pre-harvest intervals (PHI) for consumption of immature onion bulb with leaves were 16 and 35 days, respectively. Initial residue deposits of quinalphos in immature onion bulb with leaves from the two treatments were 0.864 and 2.283 mg kg(-1). Loss of quinalphos residues from immature onion bulb with leaves was very fast. The residues dissipated with the half-life of 1.7 and 2.6 days and the required PHI was 5 and 11 days, respectively. At harvest mature onion bulbs were free from residues of both tebuconazole and quinalphos.

Two root crops: carrot (Daucus carota) and spring onion (Allium fistulosum) and soil samples were selected from the agricultural fields located near Islamabad, Pakistan to determine their elemental content. Field soil speciation of the two crops was also carried out to analyse the correlation of the elements in field crop and soil. Concentrations of selected elements were evaluated in the leaf, stem, root and flowering part of the crops using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that elements are mostly concentrated in soil rather than crop parts following the sequence Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Cd. Furthermore, soil speciation showed that Ni and Cr are more prevalent in the Fe–Mn oxide fraction, Zn and Cd as the carbonate bound fraction and Cu is found in the organic bound form. However, concentrations of Pb are similar across the carbonate, Fe–Mn oxide and organic bound fractions. The highest average concentration of Zn is found as the carbonate bound fraction (2.09 ± 0.005 mg kg−1)...

It is well recognized that many adverse changes occur to a food product during drying. Various pretreatment methods have thus been introduced to maintain the quality of the product. Among the various qualities, or properties, of a food product surface characteristics are one of the most important as these affect directly the consumer acceptance of the product. In terms of food safety surface characteristics may also be related to the attachment and hence thermal resistance of pathogenic microorganisms on the product surface. In this study attempt was made to investigate changes of the surface topographical features of vegetables as affected by pretreatment (blanching in hot water or soaking in 0.5–1.5% v/v acetic acid solution) and hot air drying (60 °C); cabbage and spring onion were selected as model vegetables to represent different natural topographical features of vegetables. An image analysis technique was used to monitor the changes of vegetable surfaces after pretreatment and during drying. The surface characteristic changes of vegetables were described quantitatively in terms of the relative roughness factor ( R ). It was observed that the surface characteristic changes, as affected by both pretreatment and drying processes, could be well monitored by the evolution of the R value.

For the environment-friendly control of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, in spring onion fields, we have examined an alternative application method. Twenty-five insecticides registered for spring onion were tested for control effect against the beet armyworm in the laboratory, then the best 9 chemical and a single biological insecticides were selected and compared with 2 new isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis in a polyvinyl house. After that, 4 chemical and 3 B. thuringiensis treatments were used in the field for the control of beet armyworm in the spring onion. Two application methods are used: one is triple treatments with the same chemical and the other is alternative application with different chemicals and B. thuringiensis for 7 days intervals. Indoxacarb WP - chlorfluazuron EC - B.t. var. kurstaki CAB141 and indoxacarb WP - methoxyfenozide + spinosad SC - Chlorfluazuron EC - B.t. var. aizawai CAB109, B.t. var. kurstaki CAB141 showed greater than 78% mortality of beet armyworm larvae and greater than 43% damage decrease in spring onions infested by beet armyworm. These results showed that alternative applications had higher control effect than any other applications. It was suggested that alternative applications with microbial biological agents such as B. thuringiensis might minimize the development of insecticide resistance and might be used as the environment-friendly control of the beet armyworm.

Effects of N and S supply on the growth and pungency (estimated as pyruvic acid levels) of Chinese spring onion ( Allium fistulosum L. var. giganteum Makino) were investigated in two pot experiments using soilless growing media. In the first experiment the effects of S supply (0.01 and 4.00 mmol L −1 SO 4 2− ) on the growth and pungency of Chinese spring onion were investigated among four cultivars with fleshy root type or long pseudostem type. In the second experiment the effects of different S (0.01 and 4.00 mmol L −1 SO 4 2− ) and N (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 and 24.0 mmol L −1 N) supply levels on the growth and pungency of Chinese spring onion were studied. Fleshy root spring onion had stronger pungency and larger pseudostem diameter than long pseudostem spring onion, and the pungency of fleshy root spring onion was regulated to a greater extent by N and S supply compared with long pseudostem spring onion. Increasing S supply level significantly increased the biomass, N and S uptake and pungency of all cultivars tested. The biomass of Chinese spring onion of fleshy root type (cv Longyao) and long root type (cv Zhangqiu) was more influenced by N supply than it was by cultivar or S supply. Low S supply decreased the pungency of the two cultivars with increasing N supply. No significant differences in N or S uptake or pungency were observed in the two cultivars with different S supply at the N supply level of 1.5 mmol L −1 N, however, cultivar differences in N and S uptake and pungency were investigated at high N supply (12.0 mmol L −1 N) and S supply (4.0 mmol L −1 SO 4 2− ). Excessive N supply (24.0 mmol L −1 ) significantly inhibited plant growth, retarded S assimilation, and decreased pungency. It is therefore essential to apply the optimum recommended rate of N fertilizer in Chinese spring onion production.

Korea Food Research Institute, Gyeonggi 463-746, KoreaAbstractThe possibility of DNA comet assay as a rapid method for screening the irradiated vegetables and grains was evaluated. Vegetables (spring onion, garlic, and tomato) irradiated at 0～3 kGy and grains (rice flour and black soybean) irradiated at 0～9 kGy were used as samples. Optimum DNA comet assay conditions, such as elution, sedimentation of suspension, and lysis time of cell, were established. The optimum conditions for vegetables were 10 min for the elution time, 0 min for the sedimentation time, and 5 min for the lysis time. The optimum conditions for grains were 15 min for the elution time, 60 min for the sedimentation time, and 30 min for the lysis time. For the food application of DNA comet assay, it was possible to screen various food samples irradiated at the following doses: spring onion at 2 kGy, garlic at 3 kGy, tomato at 1 kGy, rice flour at 9 kGy, and black soybean at 3 kGy. Each sample showed different forms and sizes in DNA comet. Therefore, further studies on various methods using comet shape, concentration, or area in DNA comet assay are necessary.Key words: DNA comet assay, irradiation, single cell gel electrophoresis, screen

This experimental research design aimed to study residual levels of organophosphate and carbamate in 360 samples of a vegetable widely consumed in Trang Municipality, located in southern province of Thailand. Three kinds of vegetables were most eaten vegetables, organic vegetables and locally grown vegetables. 190 samples of the most eaten vegetables included cilantro, kale, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, chili, spring onion, celery, yard long bean, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, egg plant, Thai egg plant, Chinese morning glory, white radish, devil?s fig, asparagus, lemon. 50 samples of the organic vegetables included Chinese morning glory, Chinese cabbage, kale, cabbage and yard long bean. 120 samples of the locally grown vegetables included morning glory, curry leaf, Liang vegetable, star gooseberry, Thai basil, chili, Gotu kola, bird lettuce, bitter bean, fresh pod color (red yard long bean). The most eaten vegetables were collected from 3 wholesale markets and 200 grams for each vegetable was randomly collected from 3 areas (top, bottom and middle). The organic and locally grown vegetables were collected from 3 retail sale markets and 200 gram for each vegetable was randomly collected from 3 areas (top, bottom and middle). The residual level of organophosphate and carbamate was examined with GPO-M kit of Medical Science Department, Ministry of Public Health. The samples were collected during April ? July 2015.The results revealed that unsafe level (cholinesterase inhibitor level of 50-70%) of organophosphate and carbamate were found in most eat eaten vegetables 79 samples (41.58%) from 190 samples. Kinds of vegetables found pesticide residuals included cilantro, kale, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, chili, celery, spring onion, yard long bean, cucumber, tomato, Thai egg plant, white radish and lemon. All organic and locally grown vegetables were found safe residual level of organophosphate and carbamate. Based on the results of this study, public health authorities should encourage consumer to eat organic or locally grown vegetables and should properly wash vegetable before cooking. In addition, gardeners should be aware of the dangers of chemical pesticides for good quality and food safety of Thai vegetables. Meanwhile, authorities should work proactively to advise the use of chemical pesticides correctly and monitored continuously among gardeners throughout the country.

The effects of induction stir-frying on carotenoid retention and sensory characteristics of selected vegetables (carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea, white spring onion and yellow pepper) were investigated. Cooking times ranged from 4 to 6 min, and cooking yields from 70.9 to 92.0%. The stir-fried vegetables retained (w/w) more than 85% (mean) of each of their carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene). Over three-quarters of the 78 consumer panelists reported liking extremely/liking very much or liking moderately/liking slightly the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea and yellow pepper; whereas, half to three-quarters reported similarly for white spring onion. Few differences in attribute responses were observed by gender. Induction stir-fried vegetables had excellent carotenoid retention, and the consumer panelists indicated liking them slightly to extremely. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study indicates that vegetables that are cooked by induction stir-frying retained (w/w) over 85% of their carotenoid content and had sensory characteristics that the consumer panelists liked. Perhaps individuals, specifically college students, might be inclined to consume more cooked vegetables if they liked the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of the vegetables. Consuming vegetables containing higher amounts of the carotenoids may also be beneficial.

Genotype, sulphur (S) nutrition and soil-type effects on spring onion quality were assessed using a 32-conducting polymer sensor E-nose. Relative changes in sensor resistance ratio (% dR/R) varied among eight spring onion genotypes. The % dR/R was reduced by S application in four of the eight genotypes. For the other four genotypes, S application gave no change in % dR/R in three, and increased % dR/R in the other. E-nose classification of headspace volatiles by a two-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) plot for spring onion genotypes differed for S fertilisation vs. no S fertilisation. Headspace volatiles data set clusters for cv. 'White Lisbon' grown on clay or on sandy loam overlapped when 2.9 [Mahalanobis distance value (D2) = 1.6], or 5.8-(D2 = 0.3) kg S ha-1 was added. In contrast, clear separation (D2 = 7.5) was recorded for headspace volatile clusters for 0 kg S hd-1 on clay vs. sandy loam. Addition of 5.8 kg S ha-1 increased pyruvic acid content (mmole g-1 fresh weight) by 1.7-fold on average across the eight genotypes. However, increased S from 2.9 to 5.8 kg ha-1 did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence % dR/R, % dry matter (DM) or total soluble solids (TSS) contents, but significantly (P < 0.05) increased pyruvic acid content. TSS was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by S addition, while % DM was unaffected. In conclusion, the 32-conducting polymer E-nose discerned differences in spring onion quality that were attributable to genotype and to variations in growing conditions as shown by the significant (P < 0.05) interaction effects for % dR/R.

This study investigated the effect of allium vegetable intake on the storage and utilization of energy substrates before, during, and after exercise in tissues of rats. Ninety rats were fed either a control diet or a diet with added Allium sativum (AS, garlic), Allium cepa (AC, onion), Allium fistulosum (AF, spring onion), or Allium tuberosum (AT, Chinese chives) for 4 weeks and were then subdivided into 3 groups: before-exercise (BE); during-exercise (DE); after-exercise (AE). The DE group was exercised on treadmill for 1 hour just before being sacrificed at the end of 4th week of the dietary treatment rats in the AE group were allowed to recuperate for 2 hours after being exercised like the DE group. The levels of glycogen (GLY), triglyceride (TG) and protein (PRO) were compared in liver and skeletal muscle. In the AS diet animals, the level of liver GLY was significantly higher than those of control animals in the BE, DE and AE groups. The level of muscle TG also tended to be higher in BE, but lower in AE than in control animals. In AC animals, the level of muscle GLY was significantly lower than those of control animals in BE, DE and AE. The level of muscle TG also tended to be higher than those of control animals in BE and DE but tended to be lower in AE. In AF animals, the level of muscle GLY was significantly lower than those of control animals in BE, DE and AE. The level of muscle TG was also significantly lower than those of control animals in BE, DE and AE groups. In AT animals, the level of muscle GLY was significantly lower than those of control animals in BE, DE and AE. These results suggest that Allium sativum diets enhance the capacity to store fuel before as well as during exercise and increases the potential to utilize the stored fuel during exercise.

Quality discrimination for spring onions using conventional methods of sensory appraisal and analytical tests is difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Discrimination of spring onion characteristics with electronic nose (E-nose) technology was investigated. Plants of cv. White Lisbon were grown in a glasshouse in pots containing clay (Alluvial gley) or sandy loam (Brown earth). Irrigation regimes were regular watering to near field capacity (-0.01 MPa soil water potential, SWP) or re-watering to near field capacity when available moisture level was depleted to either less than or equal to50% (-0.80 MPa SWP) or less than or equal to25% (-1.19 MPa SWP). The E-nose sensor response (%dR/R) was significantly (P 0.05). Two-dimension Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots showed significant (D-2>3.0) differences among data set clusters. Increases in water-deficit level reduced separations between data set clusters for plants grown on both clay and on sandy loam. Regular irrigation increased pyruvic acid concentration by 43% on the clay as compared with 8% increase in mild water-deficit stressed plants on clay versus severely stressed plants. In contrast, pyruvic acid concentration was reduced by 8% in regularly watered plants grown on the sandy loam as compared with 8% increase in mild water-deficit stressed plants on sandy loam versus severely stressed plants. In conclusion, significant (D-2>3.0) separations of data set clusters in association with water-deficit stress but not soil type were evident on the 2D PCA plots. However, while the E-nose has demonstrated potential for discrimination of spring onion quality, further detailed work is required to characterise the interactions of spring onion volatile components with conducting polymer sensors.

Herbs and spices, excellent sources of phenolic compounds, can be considered potential antioxidant additives. The use of spices must strike a balance between their potential antioxidant capabilities during preparation and the flavor acceptance, in order to avoid rejection of the food. The aimed of this study is to evaluate the influence of different spices and their concentrations on cooked common beans, focusing its potential as antioxidant additives. Onion, parsley, spring onion, laurel and coriander increased the antioxidant activity of preparation when used at 7.96 g of onion, 1.06 g parsley, 3.43 g spring onion, 0.25 g laurel (dry leaves), and 0.43 g coriander/100 g of cooked beans. Besides, these spices concentrations enhance total phenolics and alter the mixture protein digestibility minimally. For garlic samples it was not possible to establish a concentration that increases the antioxidant activity of cooked beans.

The characteristics of the respiration rates in precut green onion, as influenced by oxygen levels and temperature, were examined to provide design factors for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Fresh-cut green onions (Allium fistulosum L.) were prepared and sealed, with and without a CO 2 absorbent, in gas-tight glass containers that had initially been purged with air or a gas mixture (O 2 9%/N 2 balance). The containers were stored at different temperatures (0, 10, 20 °C). At 10 °C, the maximum O 2 uptake rate (V m ) and the O 2 concentration at half-maximum (K m ) uptake rate were 30.95 mL kg -1 h -1 and 1.63%, respectively. Regardless of temperature, the lower O 2 limit was estimated to be about 1.0% O 2 on the basis of respiratory quotient (RQ) increase. Respiration of cut green onion was dependent on O 2 concentration as well as temperature, as shown by applying the Michaelis-Menten type model and the Arrhenius equation. However, the presence of CO 2 had little effect on O 2 uptake of cut green onion at relatively high O 2 concentrations (≤20%).

Several vegetables and vegetable residues were used as sources of enzymes capable to discolor indigo carmine (IC), completely or partially. Complete discoloration was achieved with aqueous extracts of green pea seeds and peels of green pea, cucumber, and kohlrabi, as well as spring onion leaves. The source of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), pH, time, and aeration is fundamental for the discoloration process catalyzed by PPO. The PPO present in the aqueous extract of green pea seeds was able to degrade 3,000 ppm of IC at a pH of 7.6 and magnetic stirring at 1,800 rpm in about 36 h. In addition, at 1,800 rpm and a pH of 7.6, this extract discolored 300 ppm of IC in 1:40 h; in the presence of 10% NaCl, the discoloration was complete in 5:50 h, whereas it was completed in 4:30 h with 5% NaCl and 2% laundry soap.

This paper reports the bioefficacy of selected insecticides against thrips and their pre-harvest intervals (PHI) in onion pertaining to their recommended application rates and maximum residue limits. Profenophos, methomyl and imidacloprid showed comparatively higher bioefficacy against thrips. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based residue analysis methods in onion bulbs and composite matrix of bulbs+leaves were thoroughly validated. The residue data for bulb+leaves was assessed with reference to the EU-MRLs applicable for spring onion. Dimethoate was the most stable chemical with PHI of 52.5 days, followed by monocrotophos (24 days) and carbofuran (20.5 days). The PHIs of profenophos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and cypermethrin were similar and within the range of 10-13 days. Imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin had similar PHI of 4.5 days. Spinosad was the fastest-degrading chemical with PHI of 2 days. The combined bioefficacy and residue dynamics information will support label-claim of these insecticides for the management of thrips in onion, help in scheduling their applications in pest management program as per relative PHIs and minimize the residue accumulations at harvest. The dietary exposure was less than the maximum permissible intake for most of the insecticides on all sampling days except for dimethoate and monocrotophos.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. To consumption of selenium could be good sources the vegetables. Many of them are able to convert the inorganic selenium forms to organic forms, which are more effective for health. To enrich onion with selenium is known however some unclear points are remained. A closed fortification system was conducted to compare the difference of selenium tolerance in two onion cultivars in greenhouse environment. This system was well controlled, eliminating a lot of disturbing factors. The comparative analysis of Makói bronz and Makói lila spring onoins showed that there is difference in selenium tolerance and accumulation not only between plant species but inside it between the different cultivars, too. The Makói bronz seemed to more sensitive to the selenate treatment than Makói lila.

Isolement des composes volatils obtenus par distillation ou extraction au dichloromethane a partir de ciboule et d'echalote; identification par CPG-SM de 25 nouveaux polysulfures

The influence of sulfur (S) supply and mycorrhizal colonization on the growth and pungency of spring onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seedlings grown for four months in Perlite and nutrient solution containing three levels of sulfate [0.1, 1.75, and 4 mM sulfate (SO4 2−)] were investigated. Plants were inoculated with Glomus etunicatum, Glomus intraradices, or Glomus mosseae, and uninoculated controls were included. Shoot and root dry weights of mycorrhizal and control plants supplied with 4 mM SO4 2+ were higher than with 0.1 or 1.75 mM SO4 2−. Enzyme produced pyruvic acid (EPY) and plant sulfur concentrations increased with increasing SO4 2− supply. The EPY and plant S concentrations were usually higher in mycorrhizal plants than controls irrespective of S supply, and shoot total S concentrations and EPY were strongly correlated. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization appeared to make a substantial contribution to the sulfur status of spring onion, and may thus have had a strong influence on its flavo...

A pot experiment was conducted out to investigate the yield and pungency of spring onion (Allium fistulosum L.) as affected by inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and addition of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers. Plants were inoculated with either Glomus mosseae or Glomus intraradices or grown as uninoculated controls. Two levels of N and S were applied to the soil in factorial combinations of 50 and 250 mg N kg−1 soil and 0 and 60 mg S kg−1 soil. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 25 weeks and then harvested. Mycorrhizal colonization resulted in increased shoot dry weight, shoot-to-root ratio, shoot length, sheath diameter, and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Shoot dry-matter yield was significantly affected by added N, but not by S. Shoot dry weight increased with increasing N supply (except for non-mycorrhizal controls without additional S fertilizer). Shoot total S concentration (TSC), enzyme-produced pyruvate (EPY), and organic sulfur concentration (OSC) in plants ino...