Effects of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts on lettuce growth, physiology and fresh-cut salad storage under potassium deficiency.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Potassium (K) deficiency in leafy vegetables such as lettuce is a major concern regarding quality. Seaweed (SW) extracts, as biostimulants, are biodegradable materials and have become increasingly popular as they are reported to enhance crop growth and yield.

RESULTS:

In order to overcome K deficiencies (i.e. 375 vs 125 mg L-1 ), alternative foliar applications with extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum SW or K were examined using lettuce plants which were grown hydroponically. Potassium deficiency (at 125 mg L-1 ) reduced plant biomass, photosynthetic rate, leaf stomatal conductance, lettuce potassium content and tissue antioxidant capacity as compared with the higher K level (375 mg L-1 ). Application of SW increased the relative growth of lettuce in the low-K treatment. The K level and/or SW application altered the plant's enzyme protective activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD) against oxidative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production. Spray applications of SW mitigated the effects of K deficiency on indicators of enzyme activity and plant damage, back to levels of high K content (375 mg L-1 ). The high K level, but also SW application, increased the antioxidant activity of the processed lettuce before storage. Foliar application of the SW extract increased the quality of cut lettuce grown in 125 mg L-1 K conditions by reducing the rate of respiration and increasing consumer preference.

CONCLUSION:

The SW application could alter the detrimental effects of K deficiency during lettuce growth and storage of processed products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

• Authors: Antonios Chrysargyris, Panayiota Xylia, Myria Anastasiou, Iakovos Pantelides, Nikos Tzortzakis
• Journal: Journal of the science of food and agriculture (J Sci Food Agric) Vol. 98 Issue 15 Pg. 5861-5872 (Dec 2018) ISSN: 1097-0010 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 29797323 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical References

• Plant Extracts
• Plant Proteins
• Catalase
• Superoxide Dismutase
• Potassium

Topics

• Ascophyllum (chemistry)
• Catalase (metabolism)
• Food Storage
• Lettuce (chemistry, drug effects, growth & development, metabolism)
• Oxidative Stress (drug effects)
• Plant Extracts (isolation & purification, pharmacology)
• Plant Proteins (metabolism)
• Potassium (analysis, metabolism)
• Seaweed (chemistry)
• Superoxide Dismutase (metabolism)