Effect of Selenium and Garlic Extract Treatments of Seed-Addressed Lettuce Plants on Biofortification Level, Seed Productivity and Mature Plant Yield and Quality.

The enhancement of the plant seed yield and quality represents the basis of the successful productivity of the deriving crop. The effect of single and combined foliar treatments of lettuce plants with sodium selenate and garlic bulb extract on seed yield and quality and on mature plant biochemical characteristics was investigated using four lettuce cultivars (Bouquet, Picnic, Moskovsky parnikovy and Cavalier). The seed production of plants treated with Se increased by 20-41%, compared to the untreated control plants, while the augmentation was as much as 10-23% and 17-27% under garlic extract and the joint application of Se and garlic, respectively. Garlic extract stimulated the accumulation of Se in lettuce seeds, which rose by 1.21-1.29 times compared to the Se-treated plants. The proline levels in lettuce seeds exceeded the corresponding values recorded in the control ones by 1.32-1.64 times in the case of the Se supply, 1.10-1.47 times upon garlic extract application and 1.09-1.31 times under the combined Se/garlic treatment. All the treatments given to lettuce plants increased the leaf weight by 1.10-1.30 times, compared to the untreated control. The seed Se levels positively correlated with the leaf weight (r = 0.621; p < 0.005), chlorophyll (r = 0.672, p < 0.002) and total antioxidant activity (AOA; r = 0.730, p < 0.001) of plants grown from these seeds. Positive correlations were also recorded between the seed proline content and lettuce plant leaf weight, chlorophyll and AOA (r = 0.868, 0.811 and 0.815, respectively, at p < 0.001). Lettuce yield was positively correlated with the leaf AOA, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (r = 0.942, 0.921 and 0.665, respectively, at p < 0.001). The results indicate high prospects of Na2SeO4 and garlic extract application to seed-addressed lettuce plants, to improve seed productivity and quality, as well as lettuce yield and quality.

Effects of High Doses of Selenate, Selenite and Nano-Selenium on Biometrical Characteristics, Yield and Biofortification Levels of Vicia faba L. Cultivars.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has spread worldwide as an excellent source of proteins. To evaluate the efficiency of Se biofortification, four cultivars of V. faba (Belorussian, Russian Black, Hangdown Grünkernig, and Dreifach Weiße) were foliar treated with 1.27 mM solutions of nano-Se, sodium selenate, and sodium selenite. Yield, protein, and Se contents were greatly affected by genetic factors and chemical form of Se. Selenium biofortification levels were negatively correlated with Se concentration in control plants and increased according to the following sequence: nano-Se < sodium selenite < sodium selenate. Contrary to selenate and selenite, nano-Se showed a growth-stimulating effect, improving yield, seed weight, and pod number. Pod thickness decreased significantly as a result of nano-Se supply and increased by 1.5-2.3 times under selenate and selenite supply. The highest Se concentrations were recorded in the seeds of Se-fortified cv. Belorussian and the lowest one in those of Se-treated Hangdown Grünkernig. Protein accumulation was varietal dependent and decreased upon 1.27 mM selenate and selenite treatment in the cvs. Hangdown Grünkernig and Dreifach Weiße. The results indicate the high prospects of nano-Se supply for the production of faba bean seeds with high levels of Se.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Status and Mineral Composition of Diploschistes ocellatus, Calvatia candida (rostk.) Hollós, Battarrea phalloides and Artemisia lerchiana in Conditions of High Soil Salinity.

Natural reserves play a fundamental role in maintaining flora and fauna biodiversity, but the biochemical characteristics of such ecosystems have been studied in an extremely fragmentary way. For the first time, mineral composition and antioxidant status of three systematic groups of organisms, lichens (Diplischistes ocellatus), mushrooms (Calvatia candida and Battarrea phalloides) and wormwood (Artemisia lerchiana) have been described at the territory of Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve (Astrakhan region, Russia), characterized by high salinity and solar radiation, and water deficiency. Through ICP-MS, it was determined that scale lichen D. ocellatus accumulated up to 10-15% Ca, 0.5% Fe, 15 mg kg-1 d.w. iodine (I), 54.5 mg kg-1 Cr. Battarrea phalloides demonstrated anomalously high concentrations of B, Cu, Fe, Mn Se, Zn, Sr and low Na levels, contrary to Calvatia candida mushrooms accumulating up to 10,850 mg kg-1 Na and only 3 mg kg-1 Sr. The peculiarity of A. lerchiana plants was the high accumulation of B (22.23 mg kg-1 d.w.), Mn (57.48 mg kg-1 d.w.), and antioxidants (total antioxidant activity: 68.6 mg GAE g-1 d.w.; polyphenols: 21.0 mg GAE g-1 d.w.; and proline: 5.45 mg g-1 d.w.). Diploschistes ocellatus and Calvatia candida demonstrated the lowest antioxidant status: 3.6-3.8 mg GAE g-1 d.w. total antioxidant activity, 1.73-2.10 mg GAE g-1 d.w. polyphenols and 2.0-5.3 mg g-1 d.w. proline. Overall, according to the elemental analysis of lichen from Baskunchak Nature Reserve compared to the Southern Crimean seashore, the vicinity of Baskunchak Salty Lake elicited increased environmental levels of Cr, Si, Li, Fe, Co, Ni and Ca.

Effects of Plant Biostimulation Time Span and Soil Electrical Conductivity on Greenhouse Tomato 'Miniplum' Yield and Quality in Diverse Crop Seasons.

Biostimulants help plants cope with environmental stresses and improve vegetable yield and quality. This study was conducted to determine the protein hydrolysate (PH) effect of three different durations (weekly applications: three, six, or nine times plus an untreated control) in factorial combination with four soil electrical conductivities (EC: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 mS·cm-1) on yield, fruit quality, and elemental composition of tomato 'miniplum' grown in a greenhouse. Fruit yield was best affected, during the summer, by six and nine biostimulant applications at EC 3.0 mS·cm-1, and in the same season, the six treatments led to the highest fruit number with no difference compared to nine applications; during the winter, the three and six treatments improved the mentioned variables at each EC level. Fruits' dry residue and Brixo were positively affected by biostimulation both in summer and winter. In summer, the 6.0 mS·cm-1 EC led to the highest dry residue and Brixo values, though the latter did not show any significant difference compared to 4.5 mS·cm-1; in winter, the best results corresponded to 4.5 and 6.0 mS·cm-1. A higher beneficial effect of PH on fruit antioxidant status, i.e., lycopene, polyphenols, ascorbic acid levels, and lipophilic (LAA) and hydrophilic (HAA) activity, was recorded in winter compared with summer. Positive correlations between polyphenols and LAA, as well as ascorbic acid content and HAA were found for all EC and PH treatments. Most of the mineral elements tested demonstrated concentration stability, whereas the highest EC decreased P, Mg, Cu, and Se accumulation. The opposite effect was shown by PH application on Se and Mn levels, with P tending to increase. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu were the lowest under the longest duration of PH supply. These results further confirm the essential role of plant biostimulation in enhancing tomato yield and quality, with a particular focus on the treatment duration.

Antibiotic-Potentiating Activity of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Essential Oil against MDR Bacterial Strains.

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus are the primary bacteria that cause clinical infections, such as urinary and intestinal infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis. Bacterial resistance is an innate natural occurrence in microorganisms, resulting from mutations or the lateral exchange of genetic material. This serves as evidence for the association between drug consumption and pathogen resistance. Evidence has demonstrated that the association between conventional antibiotics and natural products is a promising pharmacological strategy to overcome resistance mechanisms. Considering the large body of research demonstrating the significant antimicrobial activities of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, the present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antibiotic-enhancing effects of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi essential oil (STEO) against the standard and multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The STEO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type vacuum rotary evaporator. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the STEO was assessed by the microdilution method to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The antibiotic-enhancing activity of the essential oil was assessed by determining the MIC of antibiotics in the presence of a sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/8) of the natural product. The GC-MS analysis revealed alpha-pinene (24.3%), gamma-muurolene (16.6%), and myrcene (13.7%) as major constituents of the STEO. The STEO potentiated the enhanced antibacterial activity of norfloxacin and gentamicin against all the strains and increased the action of penicillin against the Gram-negative strains. Therefore, it is concluded that although the STEO does not exhibit clinically effective antibacterial activity, its association with conventional antibiotics results in enhanced antibiotic activity.

Effect of Sodium Selenate and Selenocystine on Savoy Cabbage Yield, Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics under Chlorella Supply.

Biofortification of Brassica oleracea with selenium (Se) is highly valuable both for human Se status optimization and functional food production with direct anti-carcinogenic activity. To assess the effects of organic and inorganic Se supply for biofortifying Brassica representatives, foliar applications of sodium selenate and selenocystine (SeCys2) were performed on Savoy cabbage treated with the growth stimulator microalgae Chlorella. Compared to sodium selenate, SeCys2 exerted a stronger growth stimulation of heads (1.3 against 1.14 times) and an increase of leaf concentration of chlorophyll (1.56 against 1.2 times) and ascorbic acid (1.37 against 1.27 times). Head density was reduced by 1.22 times by foliar application of sodium selenate and by 1.58 times by SeCys2. Despite the greater growth stimulation effect of SeCys2, its application resulted in lower biofortification levels (2.9 times) compared to sodium selenate (11.6 times). Se concentration decreased according to the following sequence: leaves > roots > head. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was higher in water extracts compared to the ethanol ones in the heads, but the opposite trend was recorded in the leaves. Chlorella supply significantly increased the efficiency of biofortification with sodium selenate (by 1.57 times) but had no effect in the case of SeCys2 application. Positive correlations were found between leaf and head weight (r = 0.621); head weight and Se content under selenate supply (r = 0.897-0.954); leaf ascorbic acid and total yield (r = 0.559), and chlorophyll (r = +0.83-0.89). Significant varietal differences were recorded for all the parameters examined. The broad comparison performed between the effects of selenate and SeCys2 showed significant genetic differences as well as important peculiarities connected with the Se chemical form and its complex interaction with Chlorella treatment.

Varietal Differences in Juice, Pomace and Root Biochemical Characteristics of Four Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) Cultivars.

The complex evaluation of varietal biochemical differences in rhubarb juice, pomace and roots is highly useful to develop an efficient processing technology. Research was carried out to compare four rhubarb cultivars (Malakhit, Krupnochereshkovy, Upryamets and Zaryanka) in terms of the quality and antioxidant parameters of juice, pomace and roots. The laboratory analyses showed a high juice yield (75-82%) with a relatively high content of ascorbic acid (125-164 mg L-1) and other organic acids (16-21 g L-1). Citric, oxalic and succinic acids accounted for 98% of the total acids amount. The juice of the cultivar Upryamets demonstrated high levels of the natural preservatives sorbic (36.2 mg L-1) and benzoic acids (11.7 mg L-1), which are highly valuable in juice production. The juice pomace proved to be an excellent source of pectin and dietary fiber, whose concentrations reached 21-24% and 59-64%, respectively. The total antioxidant activity decreased according to the following sequence: root pulp (161-232 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > root peel (115-170 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > juice pomace (28.3-34.4 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > juice (4.4-7.6 mg GAE g-1 f.w.), suggesting that root pulp is a highly valuable antioxidant source. The results of this research highlight the interesting prospects of the complex rhubarb plant processing for the production of juice, containing a wide spectrum of organic acids and natural stabilizers (sorbic and benzoic acids), dietary fiber and pectin (juice pomace) and natural antioxidants (roots).

Effect of Foliar Sodium Selenate and Nano Selenium Supply on Biochemical Characteristics, Essential Oil Accumulation and Mineral Composition of Artemisia annua L.

Selenium (Se) biofortification of aromatic plants is a promising strategy to produce valuable functional food with high biological activity and enhanced essential oil yield. The experiment carried out in 2021 and 2022 on A. annua treated with sodium selenate or nano-Se sprayed on foliar apparatus demonstrated a significant increase in photosynthetic pigments, pectin, waxes, macro- and microelements and a decrease in malonic dialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Contrary to literature reports, neither selenate nor nano-Se showed a beneficial effect on essential oil accumulation; the oil yield did not differ between the selenate treated and control plants but was halved by the nano-Se application. Extremely high variations in the number of essential oil components, as well as in the eucalyptol, artemisia ketone, camphor and germacrene D ratio in the 2021 and 2022 experiments were recorded. The analysis of the 2016-2022 data for oil yield and composition in the control plants revealed a direct correlation between the number of components and of solar flares, and a negative correlation between oil yield and the percentage of spotless days. Both control plants and plants fortified with selenium showed higher levels of germacrene D and lower levels of artemisia ketone in 2022, characterized by more remarkable solar activity compared to 2021. Nano-Se supply resulted in the highest percentage of germacrene D accumulation. The results of the present research highlight the importance of the solar activity effect on the essential oil yield and quality of aromatic plants.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting Tree and Shrub Bark's Antioxidant Status.

The importance of using the barks of trees and shrubs as powerful natural antioxidants suggests the necessity to evaluate the effect of different environmental factors on bark extracts' quality. The determination of total antioxidant activity (AOA) and polyphenol content (TP) in the bark of 58 tree and shrub species from 7 regions differing in mean annual temperature, insolation, humidity, salinity level, and altitude was performed. The above stress factors positively affected bark AOA but did not have a statistically significant effect on TP. The bark of trees grown in the seashore proximity was characterized by significantly higher AOA than samples gathered in other areas, similarly to the trees grown at high altitude. The bark antioxidant status of 18 species was described for the first time. New sources of powerful antioxidants were represented by the ornamental shrubs Cornus sanguinea and Cornus alba, which showed the highest AOA (169−171 mg GAE g−1 d.w.). Among the typical halophytes, Calligonum and Tamarix had high AOA (172 and 85 mg GAE g−1 d.w.), while in the bark of tamarisk, an Se accumulator, an Se concentration of about 900 µg kg−1 d.w. was recorded. A significant positive correlation was found between leaves and bark AOA in the Karadag Nature Reserve's deciduous trees (r = 0.898, p < 0.01). The relationship between bark AOA and TP was highly significant (r = 0.809; p < 0.001) for all samples except the mountainous ones. The results of the present research revealed new opportunities in successive bark utilization.

Joint Cultivation of Allium ursinum and Armoracia rusticana under Foliar Sodium Selenate Supply.

Despite the high value of ramson (Allium ursinum) in medicine and nutrition, it is not cultivated in open fields due to the need for shading as well as weeding during the early crop stages. Research was carried out in an open field with the aim to improve A. ursinum growth, through its intercropping with Armoracia rusticana (horseradish). In the latter context, with and without sodium selenate application, ramson and horseradish showed reciprocal growth stimulation, as ramson biomass increased by 1.28 times and horseradish root biomass by 1.7 times. The biofortification level of horseradish roots increased from 5.9 to 9.6 times due to joint plant growth under selenium (Se) supply. The opposite phenomenon was recorded for ramson leaves, as the biofortification level decreased from 11.7 in the case of Se supplementation to 6.7 in plants supplied with sodium selenate when jointly cultivated with horseradish. Among the tested antioxidants, the highest increase due to joint cultivation and/or Se supply was recorded for ascorbic acid by 1.69 times in ramson leaves and 1.48 and 1.37 times in horseradish roots and leaves, respectively. All treatments significantly increased the total antioxidant activity (AOA) of horseradish leaves (by 1.33-1.49 times) but not roots. Comparison of the results obtained in field conditions with those obtained earlier for the Se biofortification of ramson in the natural habitat (forest) revealed significantly higher levels of the plant's antioxidant status under environmental stress (field) and a decrease in the correspondent differences as a consequence of Se biofortification. The estimation of allelopathic beneficial interaction between ramson and horseradish implies the efficiency of ramson growth and production of functional food with high levels of Se (Se-ramson leaves and Se-horseradish roots).

Effect of Selenium Application and Growth Stage at Harvest on Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants in Lamb's Lettuce (Valerianella locusta L. Laterr.).

Lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta L. Laterr.) is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in various biological active compounds and is widely used in ready-to-eat salads. The cultivation conditions and growth stage could affect the secondary metabolism in plants and thereby modify their food value. In the present study, the effect of selenium (Se) application in various concentrations (5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µM) on the contents of Se, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and antioxidant activity of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts of lamb's lettuce harvested at three growth stages (38, 52, and 66 days after sowing (DAS)) was studied. Se application significantly increased the Se concentration in the shoots (up to 124.4 µg g-1 dry weight), as well as the contents of chlorogenic acid, total flavonoids, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll b, and the antioxidant activity of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts. A higher content of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant activity of hydrophilic extracts was observed at the first growth stage (38 DAS). On the contrary, higher contents of lipophilic compounds (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, lutein, ß-carotene) and higher antioxidant activity of lipophilic extracts were found for shoots harvested at later stages (52 and 66 DAS).

Iodine and Selenium Biofortification of Chervil Plants Treated with Silicon Nanoparticles.

Production of functional food with high levels of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) obtained via plant biofortification shows significant difficulties due to the complex interaction between the two elements. Taking into account the known beneficial effect of silicon (Si) on plant growth and development, single and joint foliar biofortification of chervil plants with potassium iodide (150 mg L-1) and sodium selenate (10 mg L-1) was carried out in a pot experiment with and without Si nanoparticles foliar supplementation. Compared to control plants, nano-Si (14 mg L-1) increased shoot biomass in all treatments: by 4.8 times with Si; by 2.8 times with I + Si; by 5.6 times with Se + Si; by 4.0 times with I + Se + Si. The correspondent increases in root biomass were 4.5, 8.7, 13.3 and 10.0 times, respectively. The growth stimulation effect of Se, I and I + Se treatments resulted in a 2.7, 3.5 and 3.6 times increase for chervil shoots and 1.6, 3.1 and 8.6 times for roots, respectively. Nano-Si improved I biofortification levels by twice, while I and Se enhanced the plant content of each other. All treatments decreased nitrate levels, compared to control, and increased the photopigment accumulation. Improvement of total antioxidant activity and phenolic content was recorded only under the joint application of Se + I + Si. Foliar nano-Si treatment affected other element content in plants: decreased Na+ accumulation in single and joint supplementation with Se and I, restored Fe, Mn and Cr amount compared to the decreased levels recorded in separately Se and I fortified plants and promoted Al accumulation both with or without Se and I biofortification. The results of this research suggest high prospects of foliar nano-Si supply for enhancing both growth and joint I/Se biofortification of chervil.

Effects of selenium application on biochemical characteristics and biofortification level of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) produce.

Background: Biofortification of vegetables with selenium (Se) greatly depends on species tolerance to Se supply. Due to the scant information regarding kohlrabi Se biofortification, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of foliar sodium selenate application on yield and biochemical characteristics of three kohlrabi cultivars. Material and methods: A two years field experiment was conducted in Moscow region (Russia) on 3 kohlrabi cultivars using foliar biofortification with Na2Se04 solutions (50, 75 and 100 mg/L) and subsequent biochemical analysis of roots, stems and leaves. Results: Out of the three concentrations tested (50, 75 and 100 mg/L) plus an untreated control, the Se 75 dose demonstrated the strongest growth stimulation effect resulting in the increase of stem weight (by 1.35-1.61 times), yield (1.37-1.66 times), monosaccharide (1.59-2.24 times), ascorbic acid (1.54-2.01 times) and total phenolic levels (by 1.23-1.37 times), compared to the untreated control. The biofortification values varied from 69.4 (White Vienna 1390) to 59.9 (Dobrynya F1 hybrid) and 43.6 (Sonata F1 hybrid) under the Se dose of 100 mg/L. The maximum Se content in kohlrabi stems reached 4.40 mg/kg d.w. for Sonata F1, 3.53 mg/kg d.w. for Dobrynya F1 hybrids and 5.20 mg/kg d.w. for cultivar White Vienna 1390. Significant correlations were revealed between Se and total phenolics (0.720; p < 0.002), ascorbic acid (0.842; p < 0.001), monosaccharides (0.898; p < 0.001) and total sugar (0.764; p < 0.001). No significant changes in nitrate levels and dry matter content were recorded as the result of Se supply. Conclusion: The outcomes of the present research demonstrated the high benefits of Se application in improving kohlrabi yield and nutritional quality.

Joint Biofortification of Plants with Selenium and Iodine: New Field of Discoveries.

The essentiality of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) to human beings and the widespread areas of selenium and iodine deficiency determine the high significance of functional food production with high levels of these elements. In this respect, joint biofortification of agricultural crops with Se and I is especially attractive. Nevertheless, in practice this topic has raised many problems connected with the possible utilization of many Se and I chemical forms, different doses and biofortification methods, and the existence of wide species and varietal differences. The limited reports relevant to this subject and the multiplicity of unsolved questions urge the need for an adequate evaluation of the results obtained up-to-date, useful for developing further future investigations. The present review discusses the outcome of joint plant Se-I biofortification, as well as factors affecting Se and I accumulation in plants, paying special attention to unsolved issues. A particular focus has been given to the prospects of herb sprouts production enriched with Se and I, as well as the interactions between the latter microelements and arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).

Joint Selenium-Iodine Supply and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Affect Yield and Quality of Chickpea Seeds and Residual Biomass.

The essentiality of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) for the human organism and the relationship between these two trace elements in mammal metabolism highlight the importance of the joint Se-I biofortification to vegetable crops in the frame of sustainable farming management. A research study was carried out in southern Italy to determine the effects of the combined inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and biofortification with Se and I on plant growth, seed yield, quality, and antioxidant and elemental status, as well as residual biomass chemical composition of chickpea grown in two different planting times (14 January and 28 February). The AMF application improved the intensity of I and Se accumulation both in single and joint supply of these elements, resulting in higher seed yield and number as well as dry weight, and was also beneficial for increasing the content of antioxidants, protein, and macro- and microelements. Earlier planting time resulted in higher values of seed yield, as well as Se, I, N, P, Ca, protein, and antioxidant levels. Se and I showed a synergistic effect, stimulating the accumulation of each other in chickpea seeds. The AMF inoculation elicited a higher protein and cellulose synthesis, as well as glucose production in the residual biomass, compared to the single iodine application and the untreated control. From the present research, it can be inferred that the plant biostimulation through the soil inoculation with AMF and the biofortification with Se and I, applied singly or jointly, proved to be effective sustainable farming tools for improving the chickpea seed yield and/or quality, as well as the residual biomass chemical composition for energy production or beneficial metabolite extraction.

High Temperature and Humidity Effect on Biochemical Characteristics of Organically-Grown Parsnip Roots Compared to Garlic Bulbs.

Functional food with high concentrations of monosaccharides and antioxidants is important for quick replenishment of energy reserves and rehabilitation after intensive oxidant stress. The effect of high temperature and humidity for manufacturing such products from parsnip roots of three cultivars (Zemchug, Krugly, Bely aist) compared to garlic bulbs from cultivar Demidovsky was investigated. The processed parsnip demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than 'black garlic': phenolics (22.6 compared to 13.3 mg-GAE/g d.w.), total antioxidant activity (26.1 compared to 18.1 mg-GAE/g d.w.) and radical scavenging activity (0.24 compared to 0.18 mcM TE/g d.w.). Monosaccharides concentration in parsnip roots increased from 6.5-8.0 to 36.2-42.5 g/100 g d.w., the latter range including the value relevant to the processed garlic (37.4 g/100 g d.w.). Parsnip roots showed concurrent monosaccharides increase and disaccharides decrease (from 33.75-37.2 to 1.25-6.72 g/100 g), whereas garlic displayed the enhancement of both mono- and disaccharide biosynthesis. Total acidity level in processed parsnip also increased by 3 to 5 times and was highly correlated with monosaccharides content (r = 0.99 at P ≤ 0.01). Thanks to its higher mineral content, 'black parsnip' proved to be suitable for quick energy and antioxidant replenishment after strong physical and/or oxidant stress.

Yield, Growth, Quality, Biochemical Characteristics and Elemental Composition of Plant Parts of Celery Leafy, Stalk and Root Types Grown in the Northern Hemisphere.

Celery is one of the major nutraceutical vegetable species due to the high dietary and medicinal properties of all of its plant parts. Yield, growth and produce quality of six celery genotypes belonging to leafy (Elixir and Samurai), stalk (Atlant and Primus) or root (Egor and Dobrynya) types, as well as the distribution of biomass, sugars, mineral elements and antioxidants among the different plant parts, were assessed. Within the celery root type, cultivar Dobrynya resulted in higher yield than Egor, whereas the genotype did not significantly affect the marketable plant part production of leafy and stalk types. Leaf/petiole ratios relevant to biomass, total dissolved solids, sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and ash, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and Se content were significantly affected by the celery type examined. Ash content was highest in the leaves and lowest in the roots. Celery antioxidant system was characterized by highly significant relationships between ascorbic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and Zn. Among the celery types analyzed, the highest values of chlorophyll, Fe and Mn content as well as antioxidant activity were recorded in leaves from root genotypes, which suggests interesting nutraceutical prospects of the aforementioned plant parts for human utilization.

Yield, Essential Oil and Quality Performances of Artemisia dracunculus, Hyssopus officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia as Affected by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under Organic Management.

Utilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for enhancing growth and development as well as production of essential oil in aromatic plants has been increasingly drawing research interest. In order to assess the AMF effects on different aromatic species, an open-field experiment was carried out using Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) and Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop). AMF stimulated the growth of tarragon and lavender plants, whereas hyssop showed a slight developmental slowing; nonetheless, a significant increase in essential oil content in the three species was seen. AMF application increased the biomass of A. dracunculus and H. officinalis by 20-35%. No differences in antioxidant activity and phenolics content were recorded at harvest between the control and AMF-inoculated plants, but the latter showed a significant increase in antioxidant status upon storage at high temperature and humidity compared to the untreated control. The enhancement of abiotic stress resistance during storage in plants inoculated with AMF was the highest in A. dracunculus, and the lowest in H. officinalis, while the untreated control plants showed a significant decrease in phenolics, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content, as well as antioxidant activity, upon the abiotic stress. AMF inoculation differentially affected the mineral composition, increasing the accumulation of Se, I and Zn in A. dracunculus, and decreasing the levels of heavy metals and Co, Fe, Li, Mn in H. officinalis. Based on the outcome of the present research, AMF inoculation resulted in a significant enhancement of the overall performances of A. dracunculus, L. angustifolia and H. officinalis, and also in the improvement of plant antioxidant status upon storage in stress conditions.

Prospects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Utilization in Production of Allium Plants.

The need to improve crop yield and quality, decrease the level of mineral fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides supply, and increase plants' immunity are important topics of agriculture in the 21st century. In this respect, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may be considered as a crucial tool in the development of a modern environmentally friendly agriculture. The efficiency of AMF application is connected to genetic peculiarities of plant and AMF species, soil characteristics and environmental factors, including biotic and abiotic stresses, temperature, and precipitation. Among vegetable crops, Allium species are particularly reactive to soil mycorrhiza, due to their less expanded root apparatus surface compared to most other species. Moreover, Allium crops are economically important and able to synthesize powerful anti-carcinogen compounds, such as selenomethyl selenocysteine and gamma-glutamyl selenomethyl selenocysteine, which highlights the importance of the present detailed discussion about the AMF use prospects to enhance Allium plant growth and development. This review reports the available information describing the AMF effects on the seasonal, inter-, and intra-species variations of yield, biochemical characteristics, and mineral composition of Allium species, with a special focus on the selenium accumulation both in ordinary conditions and under selenium supply.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Yield, Biochemical Characteristics, and Elemental Composition of Garlic and Onion under Selenium Supply.

Biofortification of garlic and onion plants with selenium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation are considered beneficial for producing functional food with anticarcinogenic properties. The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, sodium selenate foliar application, and the combination AMF + selenium (Se), compared to an untreated control, were assessed regarding the bulb yield, biochemical characteristics, and mineral composition. AMF + Se application resulted in the highest yield, monosaccharides, and Se content in both garlic and onion bulbs; and an increase of ascorbic acid and flavonoids in onion, and flavonoids in garlic. The highest bulb concentrations of P and K were recorded under the AMF + Se application, Ca was best affected by AMF, and Mg accumulation was highest under all the treatments in garlic and upon AMF + Se application in onion bulbs. Contrary to garlic, onion bulbs were characterized by a remarkable increase in microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Si, Zn) under the AMF + Se treatment. Selenium, either with or without AMF application, promoted the accumulation of B and Si in onion and Mo and Zn in garlic bulbs. It can be inferred that the interaction between AMF and Se is highly specific, differing for garlic and onion grown in similar environmental conditions in Grozny region, Chechen Republic.