Production of mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA)-loaded emulsions as chemical barriers to control sunscald in fruits and vegetables.

BACKGROUND: Sunscald is a physiological disorder that occurs in many horticultural products when exposed to excessive solar radiation and high temperatures. Traditionally, sunscald is controlled using physical barriers that reflect radiation, however this practice is not always efficient. A possible alternative would be the use of chemical barriers, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which protect aquatic organisms against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thus, this study aimed to develop a lipid-based emulsion containing MAAs for using in the preharvest of horticultural products. RESULTS: Emulsions were developed using 10% (w/v) of corn oil (CO) and soybean oil (SO), carnauba wax (CW), and beeswax (BW) as lipid bases (LBs). The emulsion containing CW and ammonium hydroxide was the most stable, resembling commercial wax. Therefore, this formulation was used as the basis for the incorporation of the commercial product Helioguard™ 365, a source of MAA, in concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% (v/v). The MAA incorporation resulted in little modifications in the stability of the emulsion, providing an increase in the absorbance with peaks in the UV-B ranging from 280 to 300 nm. CONCLUSION: The lipid-base emulsion containing MAAs could be used as a chemical barrier to control sunscald in horticultural products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Beyond vegetables: effects of indoor LED light on specialized metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal and aromatic plants, edible flowers, and microgreens.

Specialized metabolites from plants are important for human health due to their antioxidant properties. Light is one of the main factors modulating the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites, determining the cascade response activated by photoreceptors and the consequent modulation of expressed genes and biosynthetic pathways. Recent developments in light emitting diode (LED) technology have enabled improvements in artificial light applications for horticulture. In particular, the possibility to select specific spectral light compositions, intensities and photoperiods has been associated with altered metabolite content in a variety of crops. This review aims to analyze the effects of indoor LED lighting recipes and management on the specialized metabolite content in different groups of crop plants (namely medicinal and aromatic plants, microgreens and edible flowers), focusing on the literature from the last 5 years. The literature collection produced a total of 40 papers, which were analyzed according to the effects of artificial LED lighting on the content of anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenols, tocopherols, glycosides, and terpenes, and ranked on a scale of 1 to 3. Most studies applied a combination of red and blue light (22%) or monochromatic blue (23%), with a 16 h day-1 photoperiod (78%) and an intensity greater than 200 µmol m-2  s-1 (77%). These treatment features were often the most efficient in enhancing specialized metabolite content, although large variations in performance were observed, according to the species considered and the compound analyzed. The review aims to provide valuable indications for the definition of the most promising spectral components toward the achievement of nutrient-rich indoor-grown products. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of pepper microbial contamination for low energy e-beam irradiation.

Electrons with energies of 300 keV or lower have the potential to decontaminate the surfaces of various types of food products with minimal loss of quality. The aim of the present work was to determine the thickness of the layer inhabited by microorganisms. The food samples tested were black and white pepper irradiated with 200 keV, 230 keV, 300 keV and 9 MeV beams of electron energy. To determine the depth from the surface which can be inhabited by microorganisms two approaches were tested. The methods used were based on the application of different microbiological recovery techniques and the microbial effectiveness of the irradiation process depending on the energy of the electron beam. It was observed that the layer which microorganisms may contaminate differed for the tested samples it was estimated as being below 100 µm thick for white pepper and about 200 µm for black pepper. The penetration ability was significant in experiments performed, and as a result the electron beam at the lowest levels tested (200 and 230 keV) was found to be insufficient to effectively decontaminate the black pepper samples. The beam of energy 300 keV was found to have a similar microbial inactivation effect as the high energy electron beam (9 MeV).

Blue and UV-A light wavelengths positively affected accumulation profiles of healthy compounds in pak-choi.

BACKGROUND: Recently, it become an important strategy using light to regulate plant growth and quality, especially on daily edible leafy vegetable. Pak-choi is rich in healthy functional compounds, e.g. flavonoid and glucosinolate. Many studies have focused on the plant response to increased radiation and transformed visible light quality, however, we know less about different blue and UV-A light wavelengths. Therefore, the goal of this study was to identify whether different blue and UV-A light wavelengths could improve quality in two cultivars of pak-choi and further cultivate potentially healthy functional plants. RESULTS: The different blue and UV-A light wavelength treatments significantly increased the fresh and dry weight in two cultivars of pak-choi. Compared with control, the content of soluble protein was higher after the different blue and UV-A light treatments. Similarly, the contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids increased significantly under the light treatments, and the highest content presented under T430 (supplemental blue light at 430 nm) in red-leaf pak-choi and under T400 (supplemental UV-A light at 400 nm) in green-leaf pak-choi. The total anthocyanins content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of two pak-choi cultivars improved positively with decreasing treatment wavelength, and other healthy compounds were affected to varying degrees under supplemental light treatments. CONCLUSION: The growth and healthy compound contents of pak-choi were significantly improved by supplemental blue and UV-A light, and there were wavelength- and cultivar-dependent effects. Compared with control, T430 presented the higher biomass and the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and pigment in two pak-choi cultivars, and T380 was an efficient strategy to increase antioxidants and health-promoting compounds of red-leaf pak-choi. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of supplemental LED light quality and reduced growth temperature on swede (Brassica napus L. ssp. rapifera Metzg.) root vegetable development and contents of glucosinolates and sugars.

BACKGROUND: Low growth temperatures and the special light qualities of midnight sun in northern Scandinavia, have both been shown to improve eating quality of swede root bulbs. To study the combined effect of these factors on root development and sensory-related compounds, plants were grown in phytotron under different 24 h supplemental light-emitting diode (LED) light colours, at constant 15 °C, or reduced end-of-season temperature at 9 °C. RESULTS: Far-red LED (740 nm) light induced longer leaves and produced more roundly shaped bulbs, than the other light quality treatments. At constant 15 °C, supplemental light of far-red LED also produced a stronger purple crown skin colour than the other LED treatments. This difference between light quality treatments disappeared at 9 °C, as all bulb crowns developed a purple colour. There were no significant effects of LED-supplements on sugar concentrations, while the reduced temperature on average did increase concentrations of d-fructose and d-glucose. Total glucosinolate concentrations were not different among treatments, although the most abundant glucosinolate, progoitrin, on average was present in highest concentration under LEDs containing far-red light, and in lower concentration at 9 °C compared to 15 °C. CONCLUSION: The light quality of 24 h photoperiods in combination with temperature appears primarily important for growth and morphological traits in swede root bulbs. Influence of light quality and low temperature on appearance and sensory-related compounds may be utilized in marketing of root vegetables with special quality related to growth conditions of high latitude origin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating the experimental cultivation of peppers in low-energy-demand greenhouses. An interdisciplinary study.

BACKGROUND: Photovoltaics (PV) provide an alternative solution to cover energy demands in greenhouses. This study evaluates the effect of PV panels installed on the roofs of greenhouses, and the partial shading that they cause, on the growth parameters and growth indicators of the experimental cultivation of peppers (Capsicum annuum cv. California Wonder). The growth of the plants, the antioxidant profile, radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and the phenolic and metabolic profiles (using LC-MS spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy) are evaluated. RESULTS: Data are presented from a full cultivation period. Results indicated that indoor temperatures were similar for both glass and glass-PV (glass with PV panels installed) greenhouses during the day and the night. The production yield was higher for the glass-PV greenhouses. The pepper fruits' weight, dimensions, and thickness were similar in both cases. Comparison of the pepper fruit extracts in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant, and antiradical activities indicated differences that were not statistically significant. Photometric and spectroscopic studies both showed a smaller distribution of values in the case of the glass-PV greenhouse, probably indicating a more consistent phytochemical profile. CONCLUSION: Covering only a small proportion (ca. 20%) of the greenhouse roof with photovoltaic panels contributes considerably to its energy demands without affecting plant growth and quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Use of greenhouse-covering films with tailored UV-B transmission dose for growing 'medicines' through plants: rocket salad case.

BACKGROUND: The effects of ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation on plants are well known and have recently attracted a great deal of attention due to the production of large quantities of secondary metabolites, which are very beneficial for human health. Recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of exploiting UV-B radiation to induce metabolic changes in fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The role of UV-B rays in inducing secondary plant metabolites is enhanced by new plastic films, which, as a result of their optical properties, permit the necessary dosage of UV-B to be transmitted into the greenhouse to stimulate such metabolites without altering the harvest. RESULTS: The main goal of the present paper is to demonstrate that, by using a greenhouse plastic film with appropriate transmittance of UV-B for rocket salad cultivation, it is possible to increase the nutraceutical elements in comparison with the same species grown in absence of such radiation. Tests compared nutritional elements extracted from rocket salad grown under greenhouses covered with several plastic films differing in UV-B transmittance. We found that rocket salad grown under plastic with 27% UV-B transmittance exhibited very high luteolin and quercetin content in comparison with rocket salad cultivated under film blocking UV-B radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our experimental results confirm the possibility of exploiting UV-B radiation in the correct amounts by appropriate greenhouse plastic covers, to produce natural 'medicines' using the plants and to satisfy increasing consumer demand for natural health-promoting food products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of high latitude light conditions on sensory quality and contents of health and sensory-related compounds in swede roots (Brassica napus L. ssp. rapifera Metzg.).

BACKGROUND: Vegetable growers in Arctic areas must increasingly rely on market strategies based on regional origin and product quality. Swede roots (rutabaga) were grown in a phytotron to investigate the effect of high latitude light conditions on sensory quality and some health and sensory-related compounds. Experimental treatments included modifications of 24 h natural day length (69° 39' N) by moving plants at daily intervals to dark chambers with either no light, fluorescent growth light and/or low intensity photoperiod extension. RESULTS: Shortening the photosynthetic light period to 12 h produced smaller roots than 15.7 h and 18 h, with highest scores for bitter and sulfur taste, and lowest scores for sweetness, acidic taste and fibrousness. The photoperiod in combination with the photosynthetic light period also had an influence on glucosinolate (GLS) contents, with lowest concentrations in 24 h natural light and highest in 12 h natural light. Concentrations of vitamin C, glucose, fructose and sucrose were not significantly influenced by any of the treatments. CONCLUSION: High latitude light conditions, with long photosynthetic light periods and 24 h photoperiod, can enhance sweet/less bitter taste and reduce GLS contents in swede roots, compared to growth under short day conditions. This influence of light conditions on eating quality may benefit marketing of regional products from high latitudes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Modeling optimal process conditions for UV-heat inactivation of foodborne pathogens in liquid foods.

The combination of ultraviolet radiation and heat (UV-H treatment) has been demonstrated as a promising strategy to overcome the limited UV germicidal effect in fruit juices. Nonetheless, there are so far no data regarding the efficacy of the combined process for the inactivation of bacterial foodborne pathogens in other liquid foods with different pH and composition. In this investigation, the optimum UV-H processing conditions for the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and S. aureus in chicken and vegetable broth, in addition to juices, were determined. From these data models that accurately predict the most advantageous UV-H treatment temperature and the expected synergistic lethal effect from UV and heat resistance data separately were constructed. Equations demonstrated that the optimum UV-H treatment temperature mostly depended on heat resistance, whereas the maximum synergistic lethal effect also was affected by the UV resistance of the microorganism of concern in a particular food.

Effects of light quality on the accumulation of phytochemicals in vegetables produced in controlled environments: a review.

Phytochemicals in vegetables are important for human health, and their biosynthesis, metabolism and accumulation are affected by environmental factors. Light condition (light quality, light intensity and photoperiod) is one of the most important environmental variables in regulating vegetable growth, development and phytochemical accumulation, particularly for vegetables produced in controlled environments. With the development of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, the regulation of light environments has become increasingly feasible for the provision of ideal light quality, intensity and photoperiod for protected facilities. In this review, the effects of light quality regulation on phytochemical accumulation in vegetables produced in controlled environments are identified, highlighting the research progress and advantages of LED technology as a light environment regulation tool for modifying phytochemical accumulation in vegetables.

Quality evaluation of cook-chilled chicory stems (Cichorium intybus L., Catalogna group) by conventional and sous vide cooking methods.

BACKGROUND: Chicory stems, appreciated both raw and cooked, represent a nutritious and refined food. In this study the effects on the quality of stems cooked by conventional (boiling, steaming and microwaving) and innovative (sous vide) methods were analysed. Several physical, chemical and sensory traits were compared using two local varieties (Galatina and Molfettese) of southern Italy (Puglia region). RESULTS: Independently of the variety, the sous vide method did not significantly affect (redness, yellowness and hue angle) or had the least impact on (lightness and total colour difference) quality parameters among the four methods as compared with the raw product. Following sensory analysis, the sous vide product always showed the highest score among the cooking methods. Moreover, this innovative method did not affect total phenol (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) compared with uncooked stems of both varieties. Microwaving increased TP content and AA (though associated with higher weight loss), while different responses depending on the chicory variety were observed after boiling and steaming. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the sous vide technique as optimal to preserve several traits, including organoleptic ones, for the quality of cook-chilled chicory stems. They also provide product-specific information usually required for cooking process strategies in the industrial sector of ready-to-eat vegetables.

[Radioecological situation in the impact zone of the accidental underground nuclear explosion "Kraton-3" in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)].

The paper reports on the results of a ground walking gamma- and gamma-spectrometric survey made in the impact zone of the accidental underground nuclear explosion "Kraton-3". Patterns of migration, 137Cs, 90Sr and Pu distribution in the soil-vegetable cover of the northern taiga on permafrost are considered. Radioeco- logical situation within the territory surveyed is noted as unfavorable.

Preliminary assessment of ecological exposure of adult residents in Fukushima Prefecture to radioactive cesium through ingestion and inhalation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the ecological exposure of adult residents of Fukushima Prefecture to ¹³4cesium (Cs) and ¹³7Cs through ingestion and inhalation between July 2 and July 8, 2011. METHODS: Fifty-five sets of meals with tap water, each representing one person's daily intake, were purchased in local towns in Fukushima Prefecture. Locally produced cow's milk (21 samples) and vegetables (43 samples) were also purchased. In parallel, air sampling was conducted at 12 different sites using a high-volume sampler. Nineteen sets of control meals were collected in Kyoto in July 2011. ¹³4Cs and ¹³7Cs levels in the samples were measured using a germanium detector. RESULTS: Radioactivity was detected in 36 of the 55 sample meals from Fukushima, compared with one of 19 controls from Kyoto. The median estimated dose level (µSv/year) was 3.0, ranging from not detectable to 83.1. None of the cow's milk (21) or vegetable (49) samples showed levels of contamination above the current recommended limits (Bq/kg) of 200 for milk and 500 for vegetables. The total effective dose levels by inhalation were estimated to be <3 µSv/year at nine locations, but samples at three other locations close to the edge of the 20-km radius from the crippled nuclear power plant showed higher levels of contamination (µSv/year): 14.7 at Iitate, 76.9 at Namie, and 27.7 at Katsurao. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of exposure to ¹³4Cs and ¹³7Cs in Fukushima by ingestion and inhalation are discernible, but generally within recommended limits.

Ageing and irradiance enhance vitamin E content in green edible tissues from crop plants.

BACKGROUND: Tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant essential in human nutrition. Several approaches have aimed to enhance tocopherol content in crops by the genetic modification of plants, a practice that generates some social concern. As tocopherol accumulates with leaf age in some wild plants and the antioxidant mechanisms respond with flexibility to stress conditions, it is hypothesised that tocopherol content can be increased in edible plants by the manipulation of harvesting time and growth conditions, in particular irradiance. RESULTS: Ontogenic changes in tocopherol concentration have been studied in photosynthetic tissues of edible leaves (lettuce, spinach, corn salad and dandelion) and green fruits (cucumber and pepper). In all species, tocopherol content increased with tissue age. Spinach showed the fastest rate of tocopherol accumulation, and growth at higher irradiance had a synergistic effect on the rate of accumulation. The same irradiance dependence of this accumulation was observed in fruits, but a final decrease with senescence occurred in cucumber. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the content of tocopherol in vegetables can be notably enhanced (or reduced) by simply selecting the appropriate harvesting time and/or by manipulating the environmental conditions during the growth period.

Quantifying risk factors associated with light-induced potato tuber greening in retail stores.

Light conditions in retail stores may contribute to potato greening. In this study, we aimed to develop a potato tuber greening risk rating model for retail stores based on light quality and intensity parameters. This was achieved by firstly exposing three potato varieties (Nicola, Maranca and Kennebec) to seven specific light wavelengths (370, 420, 450, 530, 630, 660 and 735 nm) to determine the tuber greening propensity. Detailed light quality and intensity measurements from 25 retail stores were then combined with the greening propensity data to develop a tuber greening risk rating model. Our study showed that maximum greening occurred under blue light (450 nm), while 53%, 65% and 75% less occurred under green (530 nm), red (660 nm) and orange (630 nm) light, respectively. Greening risk, which varied between stores, was found to be related to light intensity level, and partially explained potato stock loss in stores. Our results from this study suggested that other in-store management practices, including lighting duration, average potato turnover, and light protection during non-retail periods, likely influence tuber greening risk.

The Effects of X-Ray Irradiation on Safety and Nutritional Value of Food: A Systematic Review Article.

X-ray is a non-thermal technology that has shown good efficacy in reducing pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, viruses and parasites. X-ray hygiene technology resulted in a high microbial loss in numerous food products, such as dairy products, ready-to-eat shrimp, oysters, fresh products, strawberries, shredded iceberg lettuce, and spinach leaves. Some X-ray studies on food safety have shown that X-ray is an effective technology and is also an appropriate alternative to the electron beam and gamma rays, and can be used in the food industry without side effects on human health. Besides, we reviewed the X-ray effect on the nutritional value of food. Therefore in this study, we aimed to review the available pros and cons of current studies regarding X-rays' effects on the food industry.

Effects of LED spectra on growth, gas exchange, antioxidant activity and nutritional quality of vegetable species.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of three LED spectra on growth, gas exchange, antioxidant activity and nutritional quality of three vegetable species. The compressible vegetable facilities (CVF) were developed and three kinds of typical LED lights (spectra) were set, including white LED light (W), red-blue-green LED light (RBG), and red-blue-white LED light (RBW). Three vegetable species, i.e. lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Rome), cherry radish (Raphanus sativas L. cv. Hongxin) and cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M. cv. Mosite), were chosen and grown (matrix culture) in the three LED lights for 40, 40 and 100 days, respectively. The results indicated that the vegetable plants grew well and were compact in the RBG and RBW treatments. There was the highest biomass or fruit (tomato) in the RBG treatment and the least one in the W treatment for three vegetable species. There were no significant differences in harvest index, ratio of shoot to root, and water content among three treatments. The production efficiency values of 9.0-9.7, 9.9-13.5 and 11.8-12.5 g DW d-1 m-2 for lettuce, radish and tomato plants in the RBG and the RBW treatments were higher than those in the W treatment. The photosynthetic and transpiration rates of three vegetable species in the RBG treatment were the highest among three treatments and the W treatment had the least one. There were significant effects of three spectra on antioxidant activities of three vegetable species. Higher PPFD percentages of blue in the RBG light and the RBW light increased the antioxidant activities of all vegetable plants compared the W light. But it had no significant difference between the RBG light and the RBW. The organic components including soluble sugar (SS) and protein (Prt) of lettuce and radish plants were affected significantly by three spectra, but not for tomato plants. The contents of Mg and Zn of radish plants in the RBG treatment were higher than those in other treatments. There were significant positive effects of RBW treatment on the contents of N and Mg of tomato plants. The different spectra did not affect the contents of N-NO3 and Cu of vegetable plants. This study demonstrated that the RBG light (spectrum) significantly enhanced the growth, gas exchange, antioxidant activity of the lettuce, radish, and tomato cultivars used in this study, and there are significant effects of different LED spectra on the nutritional quality (including organic components and several mineral elements) of the different species.

[Mathematical model of plant accumulation of radionuclides and heavy metals from soil].

Equilibrium model is based on the hypothesis of sorptive mechanisms of absorption of chemical elements in the soil solid phase-soil solution-plant system. The characteristics of the model are in the line with basic experimental relationships: dependence of concentrations of radionuclides or heavy metals in plant on: a) concentration of radionuclides or heavy metals in soil; b) sorptive capacity of plant; c) concentration of macro element-analogue in soil; d) soil fertility. The accumulation of elements by plants depends on ratio of cation capacities of plant and soil as well as the ratio of sorption-desorption of an element in the soil solid phase (plant)-soil solution system.

Life after Harvest: Circadian Regulation in Photosynthetic Pigments of Rocket Leaves during Supermarket Storage Affects the Nutritional Quality.

Vegetables, once harvested and stored on supermarket shelves, continue to perform biochemical adjustments due to their modular nature and their ability to retain physiological autonomy. They can live after being harvested. In particular, the content of some essential nutraceuticals, such as carotenoids, can be altered in response to environmental or internal stimuli. Therefore, in the present study, we wondered whether endogenous rhythms continue to operate in commercial vegetables and if so, whether vegetable nutritional quality could be altered by such cycles. Our experimental model consisted of rocket leaves entrained under light/darkness cycles of 12/12 h over 3 days, and then we examined free-run oscillations for 2 days under continuous light or continuous darkness, which led to chlorophyll and carotenoid oscillations in both constant conditions. Given the importance of preserving food quality, the existence of such internal rhythms during continuous conditions may open new research perspective in nutrition science. However, while chromatographic techniques employed to determine pigment composition are accurate, they are also time-consuming and expensive. Here we propose for the first time an alternative method to estimate pigment content and the nutritional quality by the use of non-destructive and in situ optical techniques. These results are promising for nutritional quality assessments.

Current Review of the Modulatory Effects of LED Lights on Photosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites and Future Perspectives of Microgreen Vegetables.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights have recently been applied in controlled environment agriculture toward growing vegetables of various assortments, including microgreens. Spectral qualities of LED light on photosynthesis in microgreens are currently being studied for their ease of spectral optimization and high photosynthetic efficiency. This review aims to summarize the most recent discoveries and advances in specific phytochemical biosyntheses modulated by LED and other conventional lighting, to identify research gaps, and to provide future perspectives in this emerging multidisciplinary field of research and development. Specific emphasis was made on the effect of light spectral qualities on the biosynthesis of phenolics, carotenoids, and glucosinolates, as these phytochemicals are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and many health benefits. Future perspectives on enhancing biosynthesis of these bioactives using the rapidly progressing LED light technology are further discussed.