Sulfur and nitrogen supply influence growth, product appearance, and glucosinolate concentration of broccoli

Abstract

The effects of insufficient and optimal sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) supply on plant growth and glucosinolate formation were studied under controlled experimental conditions in broccoli "Monaco". Here, we report on the interaction between S and N supply, plant growth, and quality parameters and discuss the relevance of this interaction in relation to crop-management strategies. Broccoli plants supplied with insufficient amounts of S or N showed typical deficiency symptoms and yield decreases. In contrast, total glucosinolate concentrations were high at insufficient N supply, independent of the S level, and low at insufficient S supply in combination with an optimal N supply. This was mainly due to the presence of the alkyl glucosinolates glucoraphanin and glucoiberin. Furthermore, with S concentrations above 6 g (kg DM) -1 and an N : S ratio lower than 10:1, the glucosinolate concentrations were on average around 0.33 g (kg fresh matter) -1 and differed significantly from those plants characterized by an S concentration below 6 g (kg DM) -1 and an N : S ratio above 10:1. In addition, N : S ratios between 7:1 and 10:1 promoted plant yield and enhanced overall appearance. Therefore, to produce broccoli (and potentially other Brassicaceae) with higher crop yields and enhanced product quality in the field, it is vital to establish the optimal S and N nutritional status of the plant and to integrate this information into crop-management strategy programs.

Increased Phloem Transport of S-Methylmethionine Positively Affects Sulfur and Nitrogen Metabolism and Seed Development in Pea Plants

“…This is consistent with field experiments showing that fertilization of S alone increases seed yield (Malhi et al, 2007). In addition, responses to S application are greater when sufficient amounts of N are applied (Hocking et al, 1987;Zhao et al, 1999;Schonhof et al, 2007). Therefore, in MMP1 plants, the synergistic increase of S and N assimilates in the phloem or a change in the S-N ratio might trigger increased seed set (Fismes et al, 2000).…”

Response of broccoli to sulphur application at topdressing in the presence or absence of organic compost at planting

“…This result demonstrates the importance of applying sulphur to plant growth and development of plants (Khan et al, 2015;Asgher et al, 2014). Schonhof et al (2007) observed an increase in the broccoli head matter by applying adequate rates of sulphur. Therefore, these results confirmed findings of previous studies on broccoli (Schonhof et al …”

The response of date palm to calcareous soil fertilisation

“…This amino acid and others (e.g., tryptophan or phenylalanine) are precursors for the production of glucosinolate, a group of health-promoting compounds (Schonhof et al, 2007). N and S interact to exert a strong effect on various growth parameters, such as biomass and yield (Salvagiotti and Miralles, 2008).…”