Salinity Stress as an Elicitor for Phytochemicals and Minerals Accumulation in Selected Leafy Vegetables of Brassicaceae

Abstract

The potential role of NaCl (50–200 mM) as an eustressor for the accumulation of health promoting phytochemicals and maintaining the homeostasis of macro- and micro-elements in three, hydroponically grown Brassica leafy vegetables (Chinese cabbage, white cabbage, and kale) was investigated. Considering K+/Na+ ratio and proline contents as reliable stress markers, we confirmed more prominent stress status in Chinese cabbage followed by white cabbage and kale. Low to moderate salinity treatments (50 and 100 mM NaCl) caused an increase in most of the phenolic compounds in the analyzed Brassica leafy vegetables. Total glucosinolates were elicited by NaCl in a dose dependent manner. Salt treatment caused an increase in total chlorophylls but did not significantly affect carotenoid content. Furthermore, low to moderate treatments did not significantly disturb homeostasis of macro- and micro-elements, particularly in white cabbage and kale where the K level did not decrease significantly and Ca was even increased in white cabbage. We may conclude that salinity may elicit phytochemical accumulation in selecting vegetables grown on saline soils without undesirable disturbance in macro- and micro-elements homeostasis depending on salt concentration and species/varieties. This information may be of great importance in the selection of crops grown on saline soils.

Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Low Temperatures on Proline, Pigments, and Phytochemicals Level in Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

“…Consistent with reported papers, our results show that cold acclimatization may be beneficial for carotenoid content accumulation. According to our previously published work comparing the carotenoid content in kale with that of white cabbage and Chinese cabbage, kale tends to accumulate a higher amount of carotenoids, which may be related to its better tolerance to low temperatures [10,11].…”

“…Kale (B.oleracea var. acephala) is known for its good tolerance of environmental stress such as salt, drought and frost hardiness and resistance [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Kale is easy and cheap for cultivation and production significantly increased from 3994 to 6256 harvested acres in US, in the time from 2007 to 2012, respectively [15].…”

“…Kale is easy and cheap for cultivation and production significantly increased from 3994 to 6256 harvested acres in US, in the time from 2007 to 2012, respectively [15]. In recent years, kale has been marked as a superfood [8] due to its beneficial effects on human health, which are related to the presence of specialized metabolites from the group of polyphenols, carotenoids and glucosinolates, but also important minerals, vitamins and dietary fibres [8,11,13,14]. Kale and collards have higher content of Ca, folate, riboflavin, vitamin C, K and A content than other cruciferous vegetables while their phytochemical content is comparable with other Brassica vegetables [8].…”

Chilling and Freezing Temperature Stress Differently Influence Glucosinolates Content in Brassica oleracea var. acephala

“…The health-promoting activities are associated with the presence of glucosinolates, polyphenols, carotenoids, various vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers etc. [ 4 , 5 ]. Due to their low caloric value but high content of fiber and phytochemicals, these vegetables are particularly popular among people who want to follow healthy dietary patterns [ 6 ].…”

The Different Faces of Arabidopsis arenosa—A Plant Species for a Special Purpose

“…Polyphenols, such as flavonols and anthocyanins, are generally recognized as molecules involved in stress protection in plants and have multiple functions in acclimation processes to an excessive amount of HMs [ 61 , 62 ]. It has been demonstrated in A. thaliana that anthocyanins play a major role in protecting against metal stresses [ 63 ].…”