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Nano-fertilizers with higher efficacy compared to conventional fertilizers can provide advantage for plant cultivation in both productive and problematic soils. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of nano-calcium (nano-Ca) on lettuce plants grown in saline-boron toxic soil. Nano-calcium fertilizer was prepared from eggshells. Functional and structural properties of nano-Ca was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before plant experiment. The treatments was; control, 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B with 4 mM Nano-Ca (NaCl + B + nano-Ca). The nano-Ca significantly increased the dry weight and calcium (Ca) concentration of lettuce plants under saline-B toxic conditions. Although there was a decrease in the concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and boron (B) with nano-Ca treatment, it was not statistically significant. Salinity and boron toxicity lead to increased lipid peroxidation. In the present study, the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker for lipid peroxidation, along with a significant decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, was observed with the application of nano-Ca. There was no significant alteration in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) observed in lettuce grown under saline and boron toxic conditions. However, catalase activity (CAT) increased with nano-Ca application, while the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased. The study results suggest that nano-Ca serves a protective function for lettuce plants cultivated under saline and boron toxic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore how phosphoric acid-modified rice husk biochar (PBC) affects the growth and concentrations of essential and non-essential elements in two crops: lettuce as the primary crop and arugula as the secondary crop. The treatments consisted of a no P fertilized control and 250 mg P kg−1 sourced either from PBC, triple super phosphate (TSP) or phosphoric acid (PA). When subjected to phosphorus (P) sources, both lettuce and arugula exhibited a noteworthy rise in their dry weights compared to the control plants. PBC treatments significantly increased P concentration in both plants. Although the PBC treatment decreased lettuce nitrogen (N) concentration, it had no impact on arugula N concentration. Phosphorus treatments resulted in a decrease in lettuce K concentration, whereas it increased in arugula. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) concentrations in both plants were not affected by P sources. The zinc (Zn) concentrations of the plants notably decreased with P treatments. Moreover, P treatments led to a reduction in manganese (Mn) concentration specifically in arugula. PBC significantly increased the silicon (Si) concentrations of lettuce plants. The application of PA significantly increased the vanadium (V) concentration in arugula. Phosphoric acid treatments resulted in an increase in the plant bromine (Br) concentrations. To conclude, PBC may serve as an alternative P source, potentially being as effective as or even more effective than other P sources in influencing plant nutrition, without causing an undesirable elevation of non-essential elements in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is gaining attention, but there is limited research on its effects on leafy vegetables when combined with heavy metals. This study examines the impact of three MP types—polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)—at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1% w/w, along with cadmium (Cd) and biochar (B), on germination, growth, nutrient absorption, and heavy metal uptake in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). We found that different MP types and concentrations did not negatively affect germination parameters like germination rate, relative germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination vigor, and germination speed. However, they increased phytotoxicity and decreased stress tolerance compared to an untreated control (CK1). The presence of MPs, particularly the PS type, reduced phosphorus and potassium uptake while enhancing Cd uptake. For example, treatments PS0.02CdB, PS0.05CdB, and PS0.1CdB increased Cd content in A. tricolor seedlings by 158%, 126%, and 44%, respectively, compared to the treatment CdB (CK2). Additionally, MP contamination led to reduced plant height, leaf dry matter content, and fresh and dry weights, indicating adverse effects on plant growth. Moreover, the presence of MPs increased bioconcentration factors and translocation factors for Cd, suggesting that MPs might act as carriers for heavy metal absorption in plants. On the positive side, the addition of biochar improved several root parameters, including root length, volume, surface area, and the number of root tips in the presence of MPs, indicating potential benefits for plant growth. Our study shows that the combination of MPs and Cd reduces plant growth and increases the risk of heavy metal contamination in food crops. Further research is needed to understand how different MP types and concentrations affect various plant species, which will aid in developing targeted mitigation strategies and in exploring the mechanisms through which MPs impact plant growth and heavy metal uptake. Finally, investigating the potential of biochar application in conjunction with other amendments in mitigating these effects could be key to addressing MP and heavy metal contamination in agricultural systems.

TWO FIELD experiments were done in order to reduce the effect of water stress on head lettuce, therefore this study were conducted to impact the influence of vermicompost soil addition and foliar application of proline and melatonin on growth (fresh, dry weights, leaf area, relative water content, numbers of outer leaves, in addition chlorophyll a, b, and carotene contents), yield (head height, head diameter, head weight and total yield), and quality (total dissolved solids (TDS), total carbohydrates, crude protein, total sugar, crude fiber percentages, vitamin C, vitamin E, nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), proline, super oxidase dismutase, peroxidase and catalyse) of head lettuce (lactuca sativa) cv Kharga under water stress (100, 75 and 50% of full irrigation). The results showed the combined treatment of vermicompost and foliar spray with proline under 75% of full irrigation provided the highest vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, head yield and quality relative to other treatments including plants grown full irrigation without vermicompost and foliar spray with tap water treatments. These results suggest that yield and quality of head lettuce could be improved under abiotic stress including water scarcity through application of proline, melatonin and vermicompost, additionally these treatments could save water quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritive mineral element concentrations of most African leafy vegetables (ALVs) are influenced by the plant’s growth stages. Momordica balsamina is an ALV in the Cucurbitaceae family, rich with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties, available in the plant at different growth stages. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the responses of the nutritional value of M. balsamina leafy vegetable harvested at different growth stages. Six growth stages, namely, vegetative (reference), bud development, flower initiation, fruit set, fruit development and physiological maturity, served as treatments, with 10 replicates and arranged in RCBD. Treatments had highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on the tested nutritional quality, namely, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P). Relative to the reference, K was the highest (1206 mg/L) at flower initiation stage, whereas the highest Ca (127.70 mg/L) and Zn (2.21 mg/L) concentrations occurred at the fruit development stage. At the physiological maturity stage, the highest Mg (25.19 mg/L), P (16.54 mg/L) and Fe (5.49 mg/L) concentrations, were recorded. Noticeably, during early growth stages, P, Fe and Zn were negatively reduced, when compared to K, Ca and Mg, which were increasing at every growth stages. In conclusion, the greatest accumulation of the tested mineral elements was mainly observed as from when the leafy vegetable started setting fruit until physiological maturity stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are crucial for enhancing plant growth and restoring soil health. Despite the excellent plant growth promoting traits, information is limited on the efficacy of Sphingomonas as a PGPR, especially in vegetable crops. In this study, we used Sphingomonas panaciterrae NB5 as a biofertilizer in leafy vegetable red amaranth in three methods: seed priming (SP), root drenching + foliar (RD + FA), and bacterial culture filtrate (BCF) foliar application. Bio-inoculation of NB5 significantly increased the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, total chlorophyll, vitamin C, and antioxidant contents of red amaranth in all methods of application. Bacterial treatment resulted in notable alterations to the root structure, consisting of the formation of secondary, tertiary, and fibrous roots, particularly in the BCF foliar application and RD + FA treatment.The fresh and dry biomass significantly increased both in root and shoot, resulting in improved yield. The nutritional profile revealed that bacterial application significantly increased the nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc content, with a slight increase in phosphorus content, in shoots and roots in all the methods of bacterial application compared to control. In post-harvest soil, NB5 boosted total nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur, as well as soil organic carbon (SOC) and total bacterial populations, regardless of the application methods. The RD+FA treatment outperformed the other methods of application in most of the plant and soil parameters, and the next was the BCF foliar application. Multivariate analysis also confirmed the better performance of RD+ FA and BCF foliar applications. Therefore, simultaneous application of NB5 through root drenching and foliar application could be recommended to the farmers for increasing the yield of red amaranth with improved nutrients and restoring soil health and productivity.

Vegetable cultivation using eco-enzyme application is one way to improve its production. The study aimed to evaluate the growth response of pak choi using eco-enzyme in several concentrations and its interval. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with two factors (concentrations and interval of eco-enzyme applications). The results showed that the application of eco-enzyme with a concentration of 30 mL L-1 indicated an optimal growth stimulator in pak choi, but it was not significantly different as compared to 50 mL L-1. The application of eco-enzyme twice a week was able to stimulate plant growth including plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight. Furthermore, there was a linear correlation between leaf area and plant height, leaf number, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight that ranged from weak to strong levels. It is recommended to apply eco-enzyme at a concentration of 30 mL L-1 twice a week for optimal pak choi production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) vegetables are an important constituent of the diet of rural communities worldwide. It is a suitable substitute for several indigenous leafy vegetables, as it has more or less the same texture after cooking. Consequently, growers tend to grow spinach in any soil type or mixture available to them without modifying it, leading to reduced growth performance and yields. The use of animal manure is common in South Africa and helps to improve soil fertility when used in the correct ratio mixture. Therefore, the study’s objective was to investigate which of the growing media mixture (GMM) ratios of sand, Hutton soil, and goat manure would improve the growth and yield of S. oleracea under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 10 replicates (n=60). Six treatments comprised of different types of GMM namely, sand, Hutton soil, and goat manure at T1 (1:3:0 -control), T2 (1:2:1), T3 (1:1:1), T4 (1:1:2), T5 (2:1:2) and T6 (2:3:2), respectively. Growing media mixture had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), chlorophyll content (CC) and root length (RL) of S. oleracea, contributing 78, 62, 76 and 54% of the total treatment variation (TTV) in the respective variables. Relative to the control (T1), treatment T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 increased PH by 22.75 cm, 24.03 cm, 27.92 cm, 22.84 cm and 24.35 cm, respectively. Similarly, the NL in all the treatments T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 was increased by 10.90, 11.70, 11.90, 11.70 and 11.60, respectively, compared to T1. A related trend was observed in the CC, treatments T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, increased the CC by 14.99, 15.08, 26.45, 21.38 and 15.83, respectively when compared to T1. The GMM treatment T4 obtained the highest 27.92, 11.9, 26.45 and 42.38 in PH, NL, CC and RL. In conclusion, GMM T4 had a positive effect on the growth and yield of S. oleraceae, and it is recommended for use to grow the vegetable crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productive traits, total polyphenols (TPC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH) of arugula submitted to the combination (or not) of cow urine and doses of bokashi were evaluated in two experimental areas. Arugula was planted in cultivation bags with 55 dm3 of capacity in protected cultivation. The treatments were bokashi doses (0, 10, 20, and 30 g) and use (or not) of cow urine diluted 1% in water. The variables evaluated were fresh leaf biomass (FLB), dry leaf biomass (DLM), plant height (PH), chlorophyll index, TPC, and DPPH. In area 1, all agronomic variables were increased at 30 g and 20 g bokashi doses. FLB was increased by 87 and 76% with 30 g of bokashi. Cow urine only increased PH. In area 2, the use of bokashi + cow urine increased FLB, DLB, and PH with a positive quadratic response. At the maximum point, the FLB was increased by 159% with 28.92 g of bokashi. Bokashi increased FLB and DLB in the two areas in all evaluated doses. For TPC, with the use of cow urine, 10 g of bokashi increased TPC by 14%. Without the use of cow urine, increases of 17 and 33% with 10 and 30 g of bokashi were observed. The 30 g of bokashi is recommended because of increased productive traits and TPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects one-third of the world’s population, and agronomic biofortification is a good way to fight against this problem. Biofortification of leafy vegetables has been driven by their consumption, and, in this scenario, the waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) demonstrates good potential. Thus, this work aimed to verify the efficiency of agronomic biofortification of waterleaf with Zn applied via root. For the experiment, seedlings obtained with vegetative propagation by cuttings were used and cultivated in a mixture of sand and commercial substrate, initially in the laboratory. After acclimatization, the seedlings were transferred to a plant nursery, where NPK and Zn were applied, in six treatments (source Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate, ZnSO4.7H2O), T1: control; T2: 12.5 mg kg-1; T3: 25 mg kg-1; T4: 50 mg kg-1; T5: 100 mg kg-1; T6: 400 mg kg-1. The length, number of leaves, shoots, inflorescences, and diameter of the collection were measured. The leaf dry mass (LDM), stem (SDM), root (RDM), root-shoot ratio (R S-1), leaf weight ratio (LWR), Dickson’s Quality Index (DQI), leaf and soil Zn levels, total proteins and soluble sugars (TSS) were analyzed. The dose of 400 mg kg-1 provided toxicity to plants, and the dose of 100 mg kg-1 demonstrated better results in plant growth and development and contents of proteins and zinc, with an increase of 4081% of Zn, indicating which is the most effective dose to be used in the biofortification of this species.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the family Amaranthus, sub-family Chenopodiaceae. It is famous for its low-calorie content and rich nutritional profile of zinc, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, retinol, and ascorbic acid. In contrast, pesticide residues like imidacloprid, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, and deltamethrin and antinutrients like alkaloids, phytates, tannins, and oxalates are also found in spinach, which inhibit nutrient absorption and also exert deleterious effects in humans. The present study was aimed at determining the technofunctional and nutritional characteristics and improving the consumer safety aspects of dehydrated spinach powder (SP). Spinach was processed to improve its safety characteristics using thermal and non-thermal processing techniques, including microwave heat processing, blanching, acid, and alkali soaking. Findings on the nutrient composition of raw and treated forms suggest SP developed from raw spinach as a promising source of ash (2.9%), fibers (8.19%), proteins (19.1%), Na (97.9 mg/100g), Ca (1304 mg/100g), K (234.2 mg/100g), Fe (41.1 mg/100g), and Zn (14.3 mg/100g). Microwave heating anticipated the highest decline of the content of alkaloids, oxalates, tannins, and phytates by 85, 87, 88 and 89%, respectively. Similarly, microwave heating of SP was found to be more promising in reducing the burden of pesticides such as imidacloprid, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, and deltamethrin by 86, 74, 84, 80 and 78%, respectively. Value-added unleavened flatbreads (chapatis) with 5% SP were observed to have the better color, taste, and textural attributes. The study proposes thermal processing i.e., microwave heat processing in particular as a safer approach to reduce the natural antinutrients and extrinsic toxicants of spinach to a level considerably safer for consumption.

Amaranth is an annual or short-perennial, dicotyledonous plant, globally cultivated for its grains and leaves. The plant is recognized as one of the earliest domesticated vegetables with exceptional nutraceutical and therapeutic properties. The present investigation aims to evaluate the genetic diversity and breeding potential of 22 vegetable amaranthus genotypes. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications during summer 2023, with observations recorded on 14 agro-morphological traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the traits, depicting a wide range of variation for these traits. Further, the genotype VRAM-45 was found most promising for leaf yield, while VRAM-44 excelled for seed yield. A significant and positive correlation exists between leaf yield/plant, leaf length and leaf width, implying a potential link between leaf area and the efficiency of photosynthesis. Principal component analysis highlighted the significance of the first two components, explaining a substantial 53.71% of the total variation. Traits such as plant height at the vegetative stage, leaf length, and days to 50% flowering emerged as significant contributors to the variance. Clustering analysis categorized the 22 genotypes into four clusters. Cluster IV, though was found monogenotypic, but found superior for most of the economic traits, followed by cluster III. Thus, focusing on these clusters in breeding or selection programs could lead to more favorable outcomes in terms of economic productivity and other desirable characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomatoes are the major ingredient in food preparation, which leads to a huge food production rate. Most countries cultivate huge tomatoes at the same time that crop diseases affect the production rate due to many different types of diseases. The various types of diseases are bacterial spots, septoria leaf spot, left mold, late blight, early blight, arget and spot. Many research studies review these tomato leaf diseases with various statistics. The survey on disease will give a clear idea of reasons and prevention methods, also presenting how to reduce it in the early stages. In another study, tomato leaf images were taken to classify the diseased and non-diseased varieties. Few studies compare the standard model of disease prediction with the machine learning models. Therefore, this research study discusses tomato leaf disease detection and prevention methods used by various researchers in their studies and finally consolidate the observations. This study also deals with encouraging hygiene permanence in tomato leaf using machine learning algorithms. The convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to predict the early nature of the hygiene nature of leafy vegetable plants for the benefit of agriculture people and concluded with better future suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the technical and technological possibility of regularly obtaining fresh, high-quality plant production in Antarctic stations is an urgent task of our time. This work is devoted to studying the growth and development of leaf vegetable crops and the main quality indicators of their edible parts when grown in the phytotechnical complex greenhouses at the "Vostok" Antarctic station and at the agrobiopolygon of the Agrophysical Research Institute (AFI). The plants, belonging to 13 varieties of 9 types of leaf vegetable crops (arugula, garden cress, cabbage, mustard, leaf radish, leaf lettuce, amaranth, dill, parsley leaf), were studied during five growing seasons at the "Vostok" station and at the AFI agrobiopolygon under controlled conditions (control). The experimental data obtained demonstrate the high productivity of the phytotechnical complex for most of the investigated crops per unit of useful area, with lower costs of electricity and water consumption per unit of production compared with a number of greenhouses at foreign Antarctic stations and greenhouse complexes with controlled conditions located on other continents. Lettuce crops were the most adapted to the growing conditions at the Antarctic station "Vostok". They did not differ in their evaluated characteristics from the control. All other investigated crops, while not differing in their development rate and quality, had statistically significant (16–61%) decreases in their yield per 1 m2 per year. This may demonstrate the difference in the "genotype–environment" interaction in plants grown at the Antarctic station and AFI agrobiopolygon, probably due to the different barometric pressure and partial pressure of oxygen at the two locations. The positive psychological effects of the greenhouses were identified along with nutritional and other qualities of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables significantly contribute to Antalya, Türkiye's economy. This study aimed to investigate and identify fungal pathogens causing leaf and soil-borne diseases in leafy vegetable crops. Surveys were conducted in 2021, focusing on morphological and microscopic diagnosis, as well as the prevalence rate of these diseases in five regions (Aksu, Serik, Muratpaşa, Kepez, and Korkuteli). Isolates were obtained from both the leaves and roots of symptomatic plants, and pathogenicity tests were conducted. Survey results showed that lectuca downy mildew was the most important disease, with a 40% plant infection rate and 16.9% disease severity in most parts of the region. In areas where parsley was cultivated, Fusarium sp. was identified as the predominant soil-borne pathogen at 23.82%, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was prevalent in lettuce at 14.28%. The lowest incidence of Albugo candida was observed in cress. In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of fungal diseases and the specific pathogens responsible for damage to lettuce, parsley, dill, cress, mint, and basil cultivation in Antalya province. The incidence and prevalence of these fungal diseases were assessed through surveys in Antalya. In conclusion, this study provides important information on fungal disease agents and their prevalence in lettuce, parsley, dill, cress, mint and basil cultivated areas in Antalya province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of NPs is preferred due to its eco-friendly procedures and non-toxic end products. However, unintentional release of NPs can lead to environmental pollution affecting living organisms including plants. NPs accumulation in soil can affect the agricultural sustainability and crop production. In this context, we report the morphological and biochemical response of spinach nanoprimed with MgO–NPs at concentrations, 10, 50, 100, and 150 µg/ml. Nanopriming reduced the spinach root length by 14–26%, as a result a reduction of 20–74% in the length of spinach shoots was observed. The decreased spinach shoot length inhibited the chlorophyll accumulation by 21–55%, thus reducing the accumulation of carbohydrates and yield by 46 and 49%, respectively. The reduced utilization of the total absorbed light further enhanced ROS generation and oxidative stress by 32%, thus significantly altering their antioxidant system. Additionally, a significant variation in the accumulation of flavonoid pathway downstream metabolites myricitin, rutin, kaempferol-3 glycoside, and quercitin was also revealed on MgO-NPs nanopriming. Additionally, NPs enhanced the protein levels of spinach probably as an osmoprotectant to regulate the oxidative stress. However, increased protein precipitable tannins and enhanced oxidative stress reduced the protein digestibility and solubility. Overall, MgO-NPs mediated oxidative stress negatively affected the growth, development, and yield of spinach in fields in a concentration dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of applying organic or inorganic amendments is to guarantee crop safe production in heavy metal contaminated soil. However, previous studies showed that the effects of organic or inorganic composite amendments on the cadmium (Cd) concentration of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) were inconsistent. Accordingly, a sixty-day pot experiment was carried out to examine the impacts of the inorganic materials (lime, L and zeolite, Z), organic materials (biochar, B and compost, C), and their combination on the immobilization of Cd in soil and its uptake by lettuce. The objective was to identify the most suitable soil amendment combination that promotes safe lettuce production. The results revealed that the combined application of BC, LZC, and LBC significantly increased the plant height by 11.09–28.04% and fresh weight by 183.47–207.67%. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced soil quality, such as increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 70.19–80.42%, soil respiration (SR) by 29.04–38.46%, and soil microbial carbon content (SMC) by 36.94–46.63%. Compared to inorganic fertilizers and their combination with organic amendments, organic amendments had a significant impact on reducing shoot Cd concentration by 33.93%-56.55%, while increasing the activity of catalase by 138.87–186.86%. And soil available Cd measured by diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT-Cd) decreased 24.73–88.13% in all treatments. Correlation analysis showed that plant Cd concentration was significantly correlated with soil pH, SR, cation exchange capacity (CEC), DOC and SMC. These results demonstrated that organic amendments, especially the combination of biochar and compost, have greater potential than inorganic amendments and inorganic–organic combinations for realizing safe production of lettuce and improving soil quality in the Cd moderately contaminated acid farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating solar modules into agricultural production constitutes a novel type of agricultural industry. We evaluated the effect of setting opaque plastic solar modules on greenhouse roofs on the crop growth inside greenhouse. The opaque plastic agricultural films simulating the material of solar modules and the greenhouse roofs covered with these films were used, and the yield and nitrate content of pak choi (Brassica chinensis ‘Bekamaru’) and rape (Brassica napus ‘Dragon’) under these films were measured. The results indicated that the yield of pak choi did not change considerably by a simulated photovoltaic (SPV) roof with a shading rate of 38% compared with an uncovered plastic (PL) roof. However, during the first and second planting periods, the yield of rape under the PL roof substantially exceeded that under the SPV roof by 31% and 34%, respectively, indicating that the effect of shading on the yield of rape was greater than that on the yield of pak choi. In addition, the appearance of pak choi and rape also changed under the SPV roof, such as fewer leaves, lower chlorophyll content, and larger specific leaf areas. Nevertheless, the nitrate content of crops grown under the SPV roof exceeded that of crops grown under the PL roof. In conclusion, based on the expression of yield and growth of crops, pak choi is suitable for cultivation in greenhouses that are equipped with photovoltaic systems. However, to prevent plants from accumulating excessive nitrate, attention must be focused on the amount and frequency of nitrogen fertilizers application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundWater supply limits agricultural productivity of many crops including lettuce. Identifying cultivars within crop species that can maintain productivity with reduced water supply is a significant challenge, but central to developing resilient crops for future water-limited climates. We investigated traits known to be related to water-use efficiency (WUE) and yield in lettuce, a globally important leafy salad crop, in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) lettuce mapping population, produced from a cross between the cultivated Lactuca sativa L. cv. Salinas and its wild progenitor L. serriola L.ResultsWild and cultivated lettuce differed in their WUE and we observed transgressive segregation in yield and water-use traits in the RILs. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified genomic regions controlling these traits under well-watered and droughted conditions. QTL were detected for carbon isotope discrimination, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and yield, controlling 4-23 % of the phenotypic variation. A QTL hotspot was identified on chromosome 8 that controlled carbon isotope discrimination, stomatal conductance and yield under drought. Several promising candidate genes in this region were associated with WUE, including aquaporins, late embryogenesis abundant proteins, an abscisic acid-responsive element binding protein and glutathione S-transferases involved in redox homeostasis following drought stress were also identified.ConclusionsFor the first time, we have characterised the genetic basis of WUE of lettuce, a commercially important and water demanding crop. We have identified promising candidate genomic regions determining WUE and yield under well-watered and water-limiting conditions, providing important pre-breeding data for future lettuce selection and breeding where water productivity will be a key target.

Foodborne diseases now represent one of the most important public health problems. The objectives were to analyze the leafy vegetables and crop soil to detect parasitic species and evaluate the factors that increase the risk of parasitic contamination in the productive units in La Plata horticultural area. The study included 261 leafy vegetable and 87 crop soil samples that were processed using washing, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. Socio-environmental characteristics and agricultural practices were surveyed, and a generalized linear model was used to assess the change in parasitic prevalence with different predictor variable. The 58.6% of leafy vegetable and 31.0% of crop soil samples contained parasitic species, the most prevalent being Blastocystis sp. and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Risk factors were the limited access to health, dirt roads, children and dogs circulating in crops, field cultivation, furrow irrigation and lettuce cultivation. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in the vegetable crops was mainly associated with the conditions of structural precariousness in the production units. These results elaborated with the participation of the population, provide valuable knowledge for the planning of epidemiological programs that include environmental health as a fundamental nexus in health campaigns.

1. Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), as an annual plant, belongs to the family Lamiaceae, native to Asia (Iran, India, Pakistan, Thailand, etc.) and grows in warm and semi-warm regions. Arsenic (As) is a highly dangerous heavy metal for plants and human. This quasi-metal is widely distributed in the earth's crust, and also is the twentieth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Selenium (Se) is a non-metallic chemical element and also has similarities to arsenic. Global interest in the biological effects of selenium on the environment and the food chain is growing because selenium is essential as a micronutrient for many organisms, including humans and other animals (although it is toxic in high concentrations). Given that arsenic is one of the most important factors limiting crop production in the agricultural sector, it seems necessary to conduct researches in this field to eliminate or reduce the toxic effects of these element on agricultural plants. 2. Materials and Methods: In this study, the effect of selenium on increasing the tolerance rate of basil plant against arsenic heavy metal stress was investigated as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design under greenhouse condition. The first factor included arsenic-contaminated soil (4576 mg kg-1) and non-contaminated soil, and the second factor included different concentrations of selenium treatment (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1 selenium sodium). Foliar application of selenium was conducted at two stages. The first stage of foliar application was carried out at 4-leaf stage and the second stage of foliar application was done two weeks after the first stage. Leaf number, leaf area, stem height, fresh and dry weight of leaf and stem, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, free proline content, phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin content, electrolyte leakage and antioxidant enzymes activity were evaluated at the end of the experiment. 3. Results and Discussion: The results showed that arsenic stress negatively affected the morphological traits such as leaf number and area, fresh and dry weight of leaf, fresh and dry weight of stem and plant height, but selenium treatment alleviated the toxicity of arsenic and increased the values of these traits, so that treated plants had higher values of morphological characteristics comparing to control plants under arsenic heavy metal stress. The highest values of morphological traits were observed in plants treated with the highest concentration of selenium (10 mg L-1). In terms of physiological traits, arsenic heavy metal stress reduced the values of some of these traits, so that the lowest amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, anthocyanin, phenol, and flavonoids were recorded in plants grown in arsenic-contaminated soil without foliar application of selenium. On the other hand, the lowest activity rates of guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were observed in plants grown in noncontaminated soil and without selenium foliar application. Also, the both arsenic stress and selenium treatment increased proline accumulation and soluble sugars content of treated plants comparing to control plants. Heavy metal stress increases the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damages the membrane structure resulting in more electrolyte leakage. Selenium application led to increasing plant resistance rate against arsenic stress, mainly by enhancing cells antioxidant capacity and osmotic potential. 4. Conclusion: Considering basil is one of the most important aromatic vegetables which has fresh consumption, crispness and wateriness of its leaves and young shoots is one of the most important commercially traits which directly affect crop marketability. Considering arsenic stress has a negative effect on leaf morphological traits (number, area, fresh weight and dry weight) and stem characteristics (fresh weight, dry weight and height), it is recommended to use selenium foliar application as an efficient technique to overcome adverse effects of arsenic stress on basil production in regions with contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing population in Malaysia has resulted in increased production of local vegetables as well as pesticide usage. This constitutes a health risk to human health. In the present work, the level of ten pesticide residues namely chlorpyrifos, profenofos, aldrin, endrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, carbendazim, propamocarb, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam in ten types of vegetables collected from six local markets were measured using modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results showed that 13.3% samples contained pesticide residues above the maximum residue limit (MRL) prescribed by the Malaysian Food Regulations 1985, 55.0% of samples contained pesticide residues below the MRL, and no pesticide residues were detected in 31.7% of samples. Carbendazim and chlorpyrifos were among the highest pesticides detected in the samples. For the type of vegetables, kale and spinach contained high concentrations of pesticide residues above the MRL. In order to produce safe vegetables, the efficiency of different washing methods (tap water, 10% sodium bicarbonate solution, and 10% acetic acid solution) in reducing carbendazim and chlorpyrifos residues in a kale model system was evaluated. Results showed that the levels of carbendazim and chlorpyrifos reduction for all three methods were significantly different (p < 0.05) with 10% acetic acid solution being the most effective followed by 10% sodium bicarbonate solution, and tap water. Washing kale with 10% acetic acid reduced 76.0 and 41.2% of carbendazim and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended for consumers to practice 10% sodium bicarbonate washing method by soaking vegetables with an acidic solution followed by rinsing with tap water to reduce pesticide residues, and minimise the exposure to hazardous pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod, light intensity, and spectral quantum distribution (SPD) affect plant development and physiology. Light determines morphological signals, influences plant behavior and regulates metabolism in addition to providing energy for photosynthesis. In this experiment, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was grown in an indoor LED-equipped chamber, operated in a pulsed and continuous mode, with an average photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) at a seedling level of 150 µmole s¯¹ m¯², photoperiod of 16 h for growing cycle of 30 days. The primary aim of this study was to observe the effects of varying LED on the growth and quality of the produce. Regardless of the treatments, in both continuous and pulsed LED, an increment in the yield, leaf length and leaf width of lettuce was recorded in comparison to the control, which was managed in a glasshouse under controlled environmental conditions using a winter cropping cycle. In-vitro physiological analysis of lettuce revealed the outperformance of the continuous LED treatment over the pulsed LED as well as the control in terms of total sugars, chlorophyll concentration, carotenoids, phenolic index, and sucrose accumulation. Continuous LED treatment has also resulted in a significant reduction in nitrate content, a commercially vital parameter, making it the most advantageous and effective of all the treatments performed. However, the production of anthocyanins, an antioxidant released during stress, was enhanced under pulsed LED which requires further investigation and improvements to achieve an improved metabolite profile of lettuce with a minimal energy usage and cost. [Display omitted] • Pulsed LED improved the antioxidant profile of the lettuce compared to the control. • Both continuous and pulsed LED lights are responsible for low nitrate levels in leafy vegetables such as lettuce. • Pulsed LED boosted overall leaf performance index and Fv/Fm compared to continuous LED. • Continuous LED was found to have higher levels of chlorophyll a and b resulted in an increased overall production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Micronutrient malnutrition is a global challenge. However, there are promising opportunities for combating it through the consumption of neglected and underutilized leafy green vegetables. Senecio biafrae is an underutilized and nutrient-rich green leafy vegetable with huge nutritional and health potentials that have remained unexploited. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proximate, mineral, vitamin, anti-nutrient contents of the leaves of Senecio biafrae. Leaves of Senecio biafrae were collected from five communities in Ekiti State and analyzed using standard biochemical methodologies. The results showed that the leaves differed significantly in nutritional and anti-nutritional contents. The leaves were rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and low in fat and anti-nutrient contents for all the groups studied. The Pearson's correlation results showed that most of the nutritional parameters either had inverse or no relationships with anti-nutrients. The crude protein showed significantly positive correlations with dry matter (0.90**) and a negative correlation with cyanogenic glycosides (-0.90**). Cyanogenic glycosides showed significantly negative correlations with potassium (-0.63**), calcium (-0.66**) and dry matter (-0.44*). Nitrate showed no significant relationship with any nutritional parameter. Oxalate and tannin showed no significant relationship with the vitamins. Phytate and tannin showed no significant relationship with the proximate contents and minerals. The results showed that Senecio biafrae leaf is nutrient-rich and could help to mitigate the effects of micronutrient deficiencies. The variations and relationships among the nutritional and anti-nutritional parameters could enhance meaningful selection and nutritional quality through breeding.

This study aimed to compare cormels and suckers to determine the better planting material (PM) and to evaluate the effects of morphology-altering treatments on both shoot growth and corm yield in taro plants. The PMs used included cormel (PMC), suckers with two leaves (PMS2) and suckers with four leaves (PMS4). Morphological alteration (MA) treatment included removal of all suckers (MAS), excising the mother plant (MAM), and non-treated control (NMA). Data were collected weekly for non-destructive and at 12, 20, and 28 weeks after planting (WAP) for destructive measurements. Results of this study indicated that the SPAD values were higher in taro plants grown using cormel and morphologically non-altered plants. Removal of all suckers caused the mother plant to increase the number of leaves. The dry weight of the leaf blades, petioles and fibrous roots of the mother plant and the number of suckers decreased after the corm enlargement process took place. Fresh and dry weights of the corm increased at 20 WAP and then slowed down at 28 WAP. The moisture content of corm was relatively constant at 75%. Cormel could form on the fibrous roots and on suckers, but the total wet and dry weights of the cormels were decreased if the suckers were periodically removed. The growth of suckers was very dominant compared to the NMA plant when the mother plant was excised. Meanwhile, if all the suckers were removed, the growth of the mother plant was relatively comparable to that of the NMA plants.

Red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) affect the quality of sweet potato leaves and their nutritional profile. Vines cultivated under blue LEDs had higher soluble protein contents, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity. Conversely, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, protein, and vitamin C contents were higher in leaves grown under red LEDs. Red and blue light increased the accumulation of 77 and 18 metabolites, respectively. Alpha-linoleic and linolenic acid metabolism were the most significantly enriched pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A total of 615 genes were differentially expressed between sweet potato leaves exposed to red and blue LEDs. Among these, 510 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in leaves grown under blue light compared with those grown under red light, while the remaining 105 genes were expressed at higher levels in the latter than in the former. Among the KEGG enrichment pathways, blue light significantly induced anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis structural genes. This study provides a scientific reference basis for using light to alter metabolites to improve the quality of edible sweet potato leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productive traits, total polyphenols (TPC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH) of arugula submitted to the combination (or not) of cow urine and doses of bokashi were evaluated in two experimental areas. Arugula was planted in cultivation bags with 55 dm3 of capacity in protected cultivation. The treatments were bokashi doses (0, 10, 20, and 30 g) and use (or not) of cow urine diluted 1% in water. The variables evaluated were fresh leaf biomass (FLB), dry leaf biomass (DLM), plant height (PH), chlorophyll index, TPC, and DPPH. In area 1, all agronomic variables were increased at 30 g and 20 g bokashi doses. FLB was increased by 87 and 76% with 30 g of bokashi. Cow urine only increased PH. In area 2, the use of bokashi + cow urine increased FLB, DLB, and PH with a positive quadratic response. At the maximum point, the FLB was increased by 159% with 28.92 g of bokashi. Bokashi increased FLB and DLB in the two areas in all evaluated doses. For TPC, with the use of cow urine, 10 g of bokashi increased TPC by 14%. Without the use of cow urine, increases of 17 and 33% with 10 and 30 g of bokashi were observed. The 30 g of bokashi is recommended because of increased productive traits and TPC.

Contamination of edible produce leaves with human bacterial pathogens has been associated with serious disease outbreaks and has become a major public health concern affecting all aspects of the market, from farmers to consumers. While pathogen populations residing on the surface of ready-to-eat produce can be potentially removed through thorough washing, there is no disinfection technology available that effectively eliminates internal bacterial populations. By screening 303 multi-gene deletion (MGD) mutants of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) 14028s, we were able to identify ten genomic regions that play a role in opening the stomatal pore of lettuce leaves. The major metabolic functions of the deleted regions are associated with sensing the environment, bacterium movement, transport through the bacterial membrane, and biosynthesis of surface appendages. Interestingly, at 21 days post inoculation, seven of these mutants showed increased population titers inside the leaf, two mutants showed similar titers as the wild type bacterium, whereas one mutant with a large deletion that includes the Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2) showed significantly impaired persistence in the leaf apoplast. These findings suggest that not all the genomic regions required for initiation of leaf colonization (i.e., epiphytic behavior and tissue penetration) are essential for continuing bacterial survival as an endophyte. We also observed that mutants lacking either SPI-1 (Mut3) or SPI-2 (Mut9) induce callose deposition levels comparable to those of the wild type STm 14028s; therefore, these islands do not seem to affect this lettuce defense mechanism. However, the growth of Mut9, but not Mut3, was significantly impaired in the leaf apoplastic wash fluid (AWF) suggesting that the STm persistence in the apoplast may be linked to nutrient acquisition capabilities or overall bacterial fitness in this niche, which are dependent on the gene(s) deleted in the Mut9 strain. The genetic basis of STm colonization of leaves investigated in this study provides a foundation from which to develop mitigation tactics to enhance food safety.

Red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) affect the quality of sweet potato leaves and their nutritional profile. Vines cultivated under blue LEDs had higher soluble protein contents, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity. Conversely, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, protein, and vitamin C contents were higher in leaves grown under red LEDs. Red and blue light increased the accumulation of 77 and 18 metabolites, respectively. Alpha-linoleic and linolenic acid metabolism were the most significantly enriched pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A total of 615 genes were differentially expressed between sweet potato leaves exposed to red and blue LEDs. Among these, 510 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in leaves grown under blue light compared with those grown under red light, while the remaining 105 genes were expressed at higher levels in the latter than in the former. Among the KEGG enrichment pathways, blue light significantly induced anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis structural genes. This study provides a scientific reference basis for using light to alter metabolites to improve the quality of edible sweet potato leaves.

Intensive vegetable crop systems are rapidly developing, with consequences for greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, nitrogen leaching and soil carbon. We undertook a field trial to explore the effect of biochar application (0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1) on these factors in lettuce, water spinach and ice plant rotation. Our results show that the 20 and 40 t ha−1 soil treatments resulted in the SOC content being 26.3% and 29.8% higher than the control (0 t ha−1), respectively, with significant differences among all treatments (p <.05). Biochar application caused N2O emissions to decrease during the lettuce and water spinach seasons, by 1.5%–33.6% and 12.4%–40.5%, respectively, compared the control, with the 20 t ha−1 application rate resulting in the lowest N2O emissions. Biochar also decreased the dissolved nitrogen (DN) concentration in leachate by 9.8%–36.2%, following a 7.3%–19.9% reduction in dissolved nitrogen in the soil. Similarly, biochar decreased the nitrate (NO3−) concentrations in leachate by 3.9%–30.2%, following a 3.8%–16.7% reduction in the soil nitrate level. Overall, straw biochar applied at rate of 20 t ha−1 produced the lowest N2O emissions and N leaching, while, increasing soil carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is a fast-growing and nutritious leafy vegetable. The seed population density needs to be known appropriately to obtain the optimal yield of marketable sizes plants. The residue of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae culture has been recognized as a potential source of nutrients for cultivating red spinach plants. This study was designed to search for the best combination of plant population density and BSF concentration to obtain the optimal marketable yield of the red amaranth plant. In addition, an accurate leaf area estimation of the red amaranth plant was also developed using leaf dimensions as a predictor with several regression models. Two experiments were conducted. Firstly, the BSF residue was applied at a high rate (up to 50%) using a floating culture system. Application of the residue at the rate of 30% and higher significantly inhibited the growth of the red amaranth. Secondly, the application rate was reduced to 10% and 20%, and the experiment was conducted using the conventional cultivation system. Results indicated that the optimum application rate of the BSF residue was 10% for enhancing growth. Application of seed density at 30 mg/dm² produced an optimum marketable yield of the red amaranth since a higher population density causes plant-plant competition. Thus, creating high size variability within the population or reducing the average size of the harvested plants. Lastly, the leaf area of red amaranth can be accurately estimated using the leaf length x width (LW) as a predictor using the zero-intercept linear regression model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is a multi-purpose vegetable, grain, and forage crop, due in part to the high nutritional value of its aerial parts. This work evaluates quinoa genotype characteristics as a starting point for a better understanding of multi-purpose cultivation. Ten cultivars of quinoa were studied on soddy-podzolic soils: Brightest Brilliant, Red Faro, and Cherry Vanilla from the US (USA 1–3); Titicaca (KY1) from Denmark; Regalo (KY2), a cultivar selected by the Baer Seed Research Center for southern Chile; as well as Q1–Q5, UAE cultivars of various ecological and geographical origins. Quinoa plants were divided into three parts (lower, middle, and upper). The Q3 and Q4 cultivars produced the maximum fresh weight (38.7 g and 35.4 g, respectively) and dry matter (5.6 g and 5.3 g, respectively). The leaf mass and stems comprised 25% and 75% of the lower parts, versus 50–60% and 40–50% of the middle parts, respectively. Stems made up about 15% of the upper parts. The KY1 and Q5 cultivars produced the highest results (4.08 and 4.23 g, respectively). Protein concentrations of the quinoa grains were relatively high, with up to 14.0% grain protein in the USA2 cultivars. Leucine and isoleucine were the most abundant amino acids in quinoa grains, ranging from 6.7 to 9.2 g/100 g of protein. In contrast, methionine was the least abundant amino acid with less than 1.5 g/100 g of protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to estimate the levels of some essential and nonessential metals content of soil and seven leafy vegetable species, in the field 30m away from the Al-Qanat highway in Baghdad using X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results showed that soil and leafy vegetables had higher levels of macro elements, and that Ca in rocket and purslane was the highest. The average content of trace elements in soil and leafy vegetables has been close to the minimum than the range of permissible limits recommended by WHO and FAO/WHO except Fe, Cr and Ni in soil have exceeded the concentration of the threshold limit (13728.8 mg/kg Dw for Fe, 183.361mg/kg Dw for Cr, and 124.01mg/kg Dw for Ni) value as well for leafy vegetables, the concentration of Fe (573.29 mg/kg Dw in spinach and 540.41 mg/kg Dw in rocket) and zinc (183.52 mg/kg Dw in mallow, and 181.19 mg/kg Dw in purslane) exceeded the permissible limits. The values of As, Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations in soil have been within the range of permissible limits recommended by WHO while in leafy vegetables higher levels of Pb (2.58 mg/kg Dw), and Cd (2.2 mg/kg Dw), were found in the rocket, and fenugreek, respectively. Also, higher levels of Sr were found in the rocket (592.42 mg/kg Dw) and purslane (560.34 mg/kg Dw) as well as Al in spinach (186.55 mg/kg Dw). In addition, P, K, Mg (purslane), Zn (rocket, purslane, mallow), Cd (grapevine, fenugreek), and Sr (rocket, purslane) accumulated the most with the transfer factor (TF) (> 1.0), followed by Ca, Mg, Fe, Co, Cu, Se, Mn, Zn, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, Hg and Sr (0.01–1.0), while Cr, and Al had the lowest accumulation (< 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer originated nitrate excess in vegetables has attracted numerous studies for its effects on food quality. However, the relationship between plant nitrate accumulation and fertilizer-derived nitrogen (FTN) in the soil in continuous research is rarely reported. This study examines the impact of conventional ammonium fertilizer application (50.4 kg/ha) on the constant trend of soil nitrogen and plant nitrate uptake of 8 common leafy vegetables grown in Red Delta River, Vietnam. The vegetables reveal both FTN and plant nitrate took about 17 days to release from topsoil and plant. The trend of FTN is well fitted by a regression model (Decay model, R2=0.945, p

Ensuring the technical and technological possibility of regularly obtaining fresh, high-quality plant production in Antarctic stations is an urgent task of our time. This work is devoted to studying the growth and development of leaf vegetable crops and the main quality indicators of their edible parts when grown in the phytotechnical complex greenhouses at the “Vostok” Antarctic station and at the agrobiopolygon of the Agrophysical Research Institute (AFI). The plants, belonging to 13 varieties of 9 types of leaf vegetable crops (arugula, garden cress, cabbage, mustard, leaf radish, leaf lettuce, amaranth, dill, parsley leaf), were studied during five growing seasons at the “Vostok” station and at the AFI agrobiopolygon under controlled conditions (control). The experimental data obtained demonstrate the high productivity of the phytotechnical complex for most of the investigated crops per unit of useful area, with lower costs of electricity and water consumption per unit of production compared with a number of greenhouses at foreign Antarctic stations and greenhouse complexes with controlled conditions located on other continents. Lettuce crops were the most adapted to the growing conditions at the Antarctic station “Vostok”. They did not differ in their evaluated characteristics from the control. All other investigated crops, while not differing in their development rate and quality, had statistically significant (16–61%) decreases in their yield per 1 m2 per year. This may demonstrate the difference in the “genotype–environment” interaction in plants grown at the Antarctic station and AFI agrobiopolygon, probably due to the different barometric pressure and partial pressure of oxygen at the two locations. The positive psychological effects of the greenhouses were identified along with nutritional and other qualities of the plants.

For the purpose of ensuring food and nutritional security, the nutritional and elemental composition of 27 leafy vegetables commonly utilized in Tamil Nadu, India, were assessed in this study. The results revealed that the nutritional makeup of the leaves differed significantly. The main component of the leaves was carbohydrate, which was followed by ash, protein, and fiber. Lipid was the least significant component. Elemental analysis showed that the leaves contained higher concentration of K, Na, Mg, and Fe as well as considerable amount of Zn, Mn, and Cu. Each element's physiological function in the human body has been discussed in detail. The health risk assessment study revealed that all the leafy vegetables were considered safe for human consumption. The results of this research offer valuable information about the nutritional value of commonly consumed leafy vegetables, which aids in the identification and expanded usage of species that are nutritionally rich and combat the complications that arise due to malnutrition. [Display omitted] • Elemental composition and proximate composition of 27 green leafy vegetables was studied. • All vegetables studied were considered safe for human health. • Carbohydrate was the major constituent among the proximate composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-saharan Africa faces rampant urbanization, which generates an increased demand for perishable market gardening products. New markets for farmers on the outskirts are developing, while urban sprawl constrains their access to land. Peri-urban market gardening adapts to this double constraint of urban demand increase and land limitation by intensification. It relies on large amounts of synthetic inputs which are harmful for both health and environment. In the Djagblé floodplain, located in Togo on the outskirt of Lomé, we show how farmers adapted to this situation. Interviews carried out with 6 resource persons and 65 farmers in 4 representative villages of the floodplain reveal the evolution of agricultural systems, gradually specializing in production of a short cycle leafy vegetable, the jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and increasing use of agrochemical inputs. This specialized and input-intensive market-gardening is fostered by a change in farmers profile, with wives of urban workers with unsecured land status progressively becoming dominant over traditional agricultural households. Economic, environmental and social indicators shed light on farmers' strategy, while exposing its impacts on the territory. Our results enable to identify levers to orientate this agriculture towards more sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study appraises the nutraceutical potential of uncooked and cooked Ceylon spinach, the wild leafy vegetable Talinum triangulare occurring in southwest India. Materials and Methods Proximal properties (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrates, and calorific value), mineral contents, amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), protein digestibility–corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), protein efficiency ratios (PERs), and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were evaluated by following standard protocols. Results Total lipids, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, and calorific value were higher in cooked than in uncooked samples. Among nine minerals assessed, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, and zinc were significantly higher in uncooked samples compared with cooked samples. Lysine, methionine, cystine, tyrosine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine were higher and histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine, and proline were lower in uncooked samples. Cooking improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER. Capric and linoleic acids were higher in uncooked samples, while palmitic, 1-pyrrolidinebutanoic, and ɑ-linolenic acid acids were higher in cooked samples. The total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFAs) were higher in cooked samples; however, the total saturated fatty acids (TSFAs) were lower in cooked samples. The ratio of TUFA to TSFA was higher in uncooked than in cooked samples. Conclusion The protein content of T. triangulare is comparable to those of legume seeds and consists of low fat, high fiber, and high carbohydrates along with increased calorific value. The Na/K (<1) and Ca/P (>1) ratios are favorable to combat blood pressure and prevention of calcium loss, respectively. The indispensable amino acids are comparable to or higher than soybean, wheat, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO-WHO) standards. Improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER in cooked samples of T. triangulare support its nutraceutical potential in human diet to tackle the protein-energy malnutrition and supplement of its flour strengthens the value of fortified foods. The nutraceutical potential has possible roles to combat lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiac ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn, is a leafy vegetable that is under-utilized due to lack of information about the nutritional potential and agronomic practices. Minerals, vitamins, and protein content of succulent leaves of C. pentandra plants grown under different fertilizer rates (Control (No fertilizer), 5 t ha-1 of poultry manure (PM) + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK, 10 t ha-1 of PM, 20 t ha-1 of PM, 450 kg ha-1 of NPK, and 20 t ha-1 of PM + 100 kg ha-1 of NPK) in the Department of Crop Science Garden, University of Nigeria, Nsukka were evaluated using standard analytical procedures in a replicated trial. Analysis of variance indicated a non-significant effect of fertilizer rates on vitamin contents assessed. Protein and the minerals evaluated showed non-significant response to fertilizer except zinc and calcium. Highest concentration of zinc (0.46 mg/100g) was attributed to 20 t ha-1 of PM which was statistically similar to 0.43 and 0.42 mg/100g obtained from leaves of plants grown without fertilizer and 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK, respectively. Soil amendment at 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK resulted in high accumulation of calcium (145.00 mg/100g). Conclusively, application of 20 t ha-1 of PM or 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK may be appropriate for growing C. pentandra. The study established that C. pentandra can be brought under regular cultivation culture without compromising the nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafy vegetables are used in various cuisines worldwide; however, as they cannot be peeled and their leaf surface area is large, the risk of retaining pesticide residues on these vegetables is relatively higher than on others. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study to reveal the effect of removing pesticide residues from five artificially contaminated leafy vegetables (lettuce, perilla leaves, spinach, crown daisy, and ssamchoo (Brassica lee ssp. namai)) using different removal methods. The percent reduction range for each method was 43.7–77.0%, and the reduction range for the five leafy vegetables was 40.6–67.4%. Lettuce had the highest reduction (67.4 ± 7.3%), whereas ssamchoo had the lowest reduction (40.6 ± 12.9%). Spinach and crown daisy showed no significant difference in their reductions. Based on reduction by method, running water (77.0 ± 18.0%) and boiling (59.5 ± 31.2%) led to the highest reduction, whereas detergent (43.7 ± 14.5%) led to the lowest reduction. The reductions of chlorfenapyr, diniconazole, indoxacarb, fludioxonil, pyraclostrobin, and lufenuron in the leafy vegetables were lower with blanching and boiling than with other methods (p < 0.05). These results highlight the importance of thoroughly washing leafy vegetables to lower the intake of pesticide residues before cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lettuce is one of the most consumed leafy greens. Depending on the variety, it is ready for harvesting 40–80 days after sowing, and therefore several growth cycles can be concluded within a growing season. Due to its high market standards, lettuce may require intensive management. This study implemented a critical period of weed interference (CPWI) trial to understand at which moment of the cropping cycle weeds can be tolerated without impacting crop yield to decrease the time needed for weeding and assess the potential support weeds can give to biological pest control in lettuce. Treatments represented two gradients of weed intensity: (1) increasingly weed-free, and (2) increasingly weedy. Dose–response curves were produced to find the CPWI based on lettuce relative yield. RLQ analysis was used to explore the relationships between weeding regime and weed functional traits for biological pest control. Yield was above the 5% acceptable yield loss threshold in all plots kept weed-free for 20 days or more, indicating a necessary weed-free period of 20 days from transplanting. However, the support of beneficial insects was not guaranteed at the end of the necessary weed-free period. We suggest that it is possible to limit intense weed management to the beginning of the growing season, reducing the cost of plastic mulches and increasing on-farm biodiversity, but field margins could be better suited to deliver conservation biological control in short-term crops where this service is of primary interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of natural zeolite amendment to reduce the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by lettuce, spinach and parsley was evaluated using pot experiments. PTE concentrations in roots and shoots, as well as the pseudo total (PT), water soluble (WS) and bioavailable (BA) PTE fractions in the amended soils, were assessed. Although the PT PTE concentration was high, the WS fraction was very low (<0.4%), while the BA fraction varied widely (<5% for Cr, Mn and Co, <15% for Ni, Pb and Zn, >20% for Cd and Cu). PTE concentration decreased in both roots and shoots of all leafy vegetables grown on zeolite amended soils, especially at high amendment dose (10%). The uptake of PTEs mainly depended on plant species, PTE type and amendment dose. With the exception of Zn in spinach, the bioaccumulation factor for roots was higher than for shoots. Generally, lettuce displayed the highest PTE bioaccumulation capacity, followed by spinach and parsley. Except for Zn in spinach, the transfer factors were below 1 for all PTEs, all plant species and all amendment doses. Our results showed that the natural zeolites are promising candidates in the reclamation of contaminated soils due to their ability to immobilize PTEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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