Genetic variation for nitrate content between cultivars of endive (Cichorium endiviae L.)

Abstract

A high nitrate content is a negative quality trait in vegetables . Endive (Cichorium endiviae L .) contributes considerably to human nitrate intake in Northwestern Europe . A collection of 125 commercially available cultivars of endive were grown on nutrient solution and evaluated for genetic variation between cultivars for the nitrate concentration in expressed sap . In two subsequent experiments 23 cultivars, representing the range of nitrate levels found in the first experiment, were grown both in soil and on nutrient solution . There were significant differences between cultivars in nitrate accumulation . Cultivar 'Vicor' consistently had the lowest nitrate content . Averaged over all experiments the nitrate concentration in expressed sap of this cultivar was 0 .7 g-1 -1 (19%) lower than that of two recommended cultivars . The results indicate that there may be some possibilities to reduce the nitrate content of endive by cultivar choice or breeding . However, the chances of obtaining a substantial reduction of the nitrate content of endive seem less than in some other crops, such as lettuce . The nitrate levels of the cultivars showed interactions with experiments and growth medium . There was no correlation between the cultivar means for the concentrations of nitrate and chloride, or between the concentration of nitrate and the osmolarity of the plant sap . 41

Effects of ammonium and nitrate nutrition on yield and quality in endive

“…The minimum level of nitrate present in the NH 4 + -N treatment was probably due to the mixed N nutrition supplied before the beginning of the treatments. Ammonium nutrition could represent an agronomic strategy to reduce nitrate accumulation in the edible portion of vegetables (Santamaria et al, 1998), especially if few genotypic differences existed in the species (Reinink et al, 1994). In fact, in the nitrate-fed plants, the difference in nitrate content between 'Pancalieri Castello' and 'Nepal' was limited (Table IV).…”

“…Endive is classified among the "high nitrate content" vegetables, and can accumulate up to 2,500 mg kg -1 FW of this ion (Santamaria, 2006). The chances of achieving a substantial reduction in nitrate level by cultivar choice and/or breeding are probably low (Reinink et al, 1994). N nutrition and light intensity have been identified as the major factors that influence nitrate accumulation in vegetables.…”

Comparison of the ability of fifteen onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars to accumulate nitrates

“…It has been demonstrated that nitrate ions are involved in osmoregulation in plants [6]. In the studies conducted by C a r d e n a s -N a v a r r o et al [7], a highly significant positive correlation between nitrate and water content in tomato plants was noted. According to some researchers, nitrate content is under genetic control and can vary between species or even cultivars [8]. Nevertheless, this problem remains unsolved for numerous species.…”

Response of Nitrogen Metabolism in Pak-choi Plants Treated with Different Sodium Selenate (Na₂SeO₄) Concentrations

“…Pak-choi is one of the main leafy vegetables cultivated year-round. NO 3 − is part of the nitrogen (N) cycle in nature (Santamaria, 2006), and its accumulation in plants differs among types and varieties owing to genetics (Martignon et al, 1994;Reinink et al, 1994). The accumulation of NO 3 − is most obvious in leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, celery, and Pak-choi.…”