Attila Ombódi

Broadcast application versus band application of polyolefin‐coated fertilizer on green peppers grown on andisol

Abstract Green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) field experiments were conducted in Northeastern‐Japan in order to evaluate the effects of band and broadcast applications of a polyolefin‐coated fertilizer (POCF) on yield of green pepper grown on Andisol in comparison with conventional, rapidly available fertilizers (RAF). POCF broadcast treatment produced the best yield while POCF band treatment and RAF treatment gave similar results. At the POCF treatments similar or better nutrient uptake was observed than in the RAF treatment resulting similar or better fresh and dry matter productions and consequently similar or higher fruit yield. Thus, by using POCF, labor and energy costs and environmental loading can be reduced without any yield decrease. Among the relatively cold field conditions roots could not reach the POCF band quickly, that caused slower early plant development and eventually lower yield than in comparison with the broadcast application. The very low pH of the soil solutions, having taken from the POCF band throughout the growing period, provided a further possible explanation for the inferiority of band application method. According to these results for green peppers grown on Andisol in Northeastern Japan the broadcast application of POCF is a more effective fertilization method than the band application.

Differences in antioxidant properties of ginkgo leaves collected from male and female trees.

Abstract Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP method) of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves collected from male and female trees were determined and compared. Different water and aqueous ethanolic (water/ethanol 80/20, V/V) extracts were prepared by varying the time of infusing, boiling and steeping in order to determine the effect of the extraction method on the above parameters. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of ginkgo leaf extracts correlated well with significant correlation coefficients. Slopes of linear regression lines were not statistically different for either sex

Effects of polyolefin‐coated fertilizer on nutritional quality of spinach plants

Abstract Pot experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effects of four different urea or ammonium containing polyolefin‐coated fertilizers (POCFs) on the nutritional quality of spinach (Spinacia olèracea L.) and to investigate the mechanisms of these effects in comparison with conventional, rapidly available fertilizer. Compared to the conventional fertilization method yield was decreased in all the four POCF treatments due to less available fertilizer nitrogen (N) and/or realized ammonium nutrition. However, application of POCFs decreased oxalate and nitrate contents and increased ascorbate concent in spinach. Decreased oxalate and nitrate contents were attributed to lower nitrate availability in the soil having caused by the controlled‐released characteristic of POCFs and/or ammonium nutrition. Increased ascorbate content was due to both decreased oxalate and decreased nitrogen contents of the spinach plants. It was concluded that band applications of urea or ammonium containing POCFs improved the nutritional quality of spinach due to realized ammonium nutrition and/or less amount of available fertilizer N.

PHYSALIS PERUVIANA L. AN ALTERNATIVE CROP FOR SMALL SCALE FARMS

1997) High yields are attained with little or no fertilizer. (CRFG 1997). Further advantage of cape gooseberry is that just a few of its pests and disease are known in Europe. That is why chemical plant protection could be neglected giving a possibility for the ecological culture. The organic farming conditions could even result higher levels of quality components as it was reported in the case of spice pepper by Daood at al (2006) There is demand for cape gooseberry on the European market. An estimated 5000 kg per year are imported (above all from Columbia) into Austria (P

Effect of coloured shade nets on some nutritional characteristics of a kapia type pepper grown in plastic tunnel

Sweet pepper is the most important vegetable crop of the Hungarian greenhouse industry. Production of red coloured cultivars, having very high nutritive value, is getting popular recently. Shading of plastic tunnels is a common practice in Hungary, but research about its effects on the nutritional characteristics of sweet pepper has just started. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different shading methods (shading paint, white, green, yellow and red coloured shade nets) on some nutritional characteristics of a red coloured kapia type pepper, under Hungarian climatic conditions cultivated in unheated walk-in plastic tunnels. Shade net colour slightly affected radiation and hence temperature conditions of the tunnels; especially ratio of supra-optimal temperature values (32 °C <) was changed. Dry matter content was not influenced by shading method, in contrary to sampling time which had a significant effect on this parameter. Vitamin C and total polyphenol contents were affected by both of these factors and also by their interaction; shading effect on these phytonutrients changed with harvest times. However, total carotenoid content was affected just by this latter factor. Heat stress, higher ratio of supra-optimal temperature values, increased total polyphenol concentration and decreased total carotenoid content. In overall, white shade net resulted sweet peppers with the best nutritive quality, but harvest time had a more pronounced effect on content of nutritive constituents than shade net colour.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of ginkgo teas

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP method) of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves and of different commercial ginkgo teas were determined and compared. Different water extracts (infusions and decoctions) were prepared varying the time of infusing, boiling, and steeping, and also aqueous ethanolic (water/ethanol 80/20 v/v) extract was made. Total phenolic contents and FRAP values of collected ginkgo leaves were similar to those of commercial ginkgo mono teas, while these parameters were significantly higher for ginkgo teas containing ginseng or green tea. Decoction was more effective than infusion for extracting antioxidative compounds, in contradiction to suggested preparation methods by the producers. Aqueous ethanolic extracts had significantly higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than water extracts. The correlation between phenolic content and FRAP values was very strong and positive for water extracts of collected leaves, while it was weak and negative for the tea products.

Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Rosehips of Some Rosa Species

Background: Rosehips, the fruits of Rosa species, are well known for their various health benefits like strengthening the immune system and treating digestive disorders. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell regenerative effects are also among their health enhancing impacts. Rosehips are rich in compounds having antioxidant properties, like vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolics. Methods: Total polyphenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu’s method), and in vitro total antioxidant capacity (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in rosehips of four Rosa species (R. canina, R. gallica, R. rugosa, R. spinosissima) were determined and compared. Ripe fruits were harvested at two locations. Water and ethanolic extracts of dried fruit flesh were analyzed. Results: R. spinosissima had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, significantly higher than the other investigated Rosa species. Both parameters were reported in decreasing order for R. spinosissima > R. canina > R. rugosa > R. gallica. Ethanolic extracts of rosehips showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than water extracts. Antioxidant properties were influenced by the growing site of Rosa species. Conclusions: This study indicates that R. spinosissima exhibited the greatest phenolic and antioxidant content, and therefore can be used as a reliable source of natural antioxidants, and serve as a suitable species for further plant breeding activities. Furthermore, investigations of various Rosa species for their antioxidant properties may draw more attention to their potential as functional foods.