Effects of selenium addition on minimally processed leafy vegetables grown in a floating system
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2009
Citazione:
Effects of selenium addition on minimally
processed leafy vegetables grown in a floating
system / M. Malorgio, K. E. Diaz, A. Ferrante,
A. Mensuali-Sodi, B. Pezzarossa. - In: JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE. - ISSN 0022-5142. - 89:13(2009), pp. 2243-2251.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: In recent years the consumption ofminimally processed leafy vegetables has been increasing. At the same time
food quality and its effects on human health have become crucial issues. Since selenium (Se) is an important microelement
due to its ability to defend human organisms against free radicals, we investigated the effects of Se on chicory and lettuce
production, and assessed the feasibility of a floating system as a method of producing Se-enriched vegetables.
RESULTS: The addition of 0.5 and 1.0mg Se L−1 to the nutrient solution resulted in an increase in the selenium concentration
in the leaves, which had a positive effect on the plant yield. Selenium was generally effective in decreasing the production of
ethylene and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, even though a seasonal effect seemed to be present, consequently
improving the quality of leafy vegetables and the shelf life in both species. The amount of Se accumulated in plants grown in
the nutrient solution containing 0.5 mgSe kg−1 could provide the rational Se intake for human nutrition in accordance with the
recommended dietary allowance (RDA) guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS: The addition of Se in a nutrient solution can be a useful system for providing enriched leafy vegetables. The
floating system can be used to modulate the availability of Se in nutrient solutions and to grow vegetables with the optimal Se
content for human health.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Chicory; Ethylene; Lettuce; PAL activity; Post-harvest
Elenco autori:
M. Malorgio, K. E. Diaz, A. Ferrante,
A. Mensuali-Sodi, B. Pezzarossa
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