Carlo Nicoletto

Antioxidant characterization of different italian broccoli landraces

The Brassicaceae plants are among the most consumed vegetables in the world. They feature a large biodiversity, in which landraces and primitive cultivars still play a major role on the cultivation systems of many Countries. Brassicas and especially broccoli are closely linked to antioxidant compounds that play a key role for human health. This experiment aimed to characterize some Italian unknown broccoli landraces from the antioxidant point of view. Five landraces named BF, BF4, BFT, BB and BS were evaluated. The total antioxidant properties of broccoli were significantly different among ecotypes and the higher values were recorded in BS and BF4. Total phenols showed the higher values in BF4 and concerning the ascorbic acid content found in the different ecotypes results can be summarized in three groups: the first one is represented by BB with higher values, the second one by BF4 and BS and then BF and BFT. BB resented the lower amount of hydroxycinnamic acids, whereas BF4 showed quite high sulforaphane content (+ 95%) than other cultivars. The high content of phenolic acids, vitamin C and antioxidant compounds make these landraces, still little known, an important natural source of dietary antioxidant.

Qualitative and healthy traits of different Italian typical artichoke genotypes

Artichoke is one of the most important crop cultivated in the Mediterranean area and especially in Italy. Among all the different artichoke types available on the market, two typical genotypes grown in the Veneto basin in northern Italy, Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and Violetto di Chioggia (VC), both unknown from a nutritional point of view, were characterized. All the results obtained were compared with those of Violetto di Toscana (VT) that can be considered a standard for the oval purple type. Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and VC showed higher antioxidant capacity than VT. Chlorogenic acid content was very high, especially in VE and VC. Caffeic acid was also detected, whereas p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid were not found. Moreover, Veneto genotypes showed a high ascorbic acid content leading us to consider them suitable also for the processing industry and a rather good source of functional compounds and healthy properties.

Selenium Biofortification in Fragaria × ananassa: Implications on Strawberry Fruits Quality, Content of Bioactive Health Beneficial Compounds and Metabolomic Profile

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for humans, due to its antioxidant properties, whereas, to date, its essentiality to plants still remains to be demonstrated. Nevertheless, if added to the cultivation substrate, plants growth resulted enhanced. However, the concentration of Se in agricultural soils is very variable, ranging from 0.01 mg kg-1 up to 10 mg kg-1 in seleniferous areas. Therefore several studies have been performed aimed at bio-fortifying crops with Se and the approaches exploited were mainly based on the application of Se fertilizers. The aim of the present research was to assess the biofortification potential of Se in hydroponically grown strawberry fruits and its effects on qualitative parameters and nutraceutical compounds. The supplementation with Se did not negatively affect the growth and the yield of strawberries, and induced an accumulation of Se in fruits. Furthermore, the metabolomic analyses highlighted an increase in flavonoid and polyphenol compounds, which contributes to the organoleptic features and antioxidant capacity of fruits; in addition, an increase in the fruits sweetness also was detected in biofortified strawberries. In conclusion, based on our observations, strawberry plants seem a good target for Se biofortification, thus allowing the increase in the human intake of this essential micronutrient.

Effect of different home-cooking methods on textural and nutritional properties of sweet potato genotypes grown in temperate climate conditions

BACKGROUND The European Union (EU) market for sweet potato is small but is growing considerably and and has increased by 100% over the last 5 years. The cultivation of sweet potato in temperate climate conditions has not considered extensively and could be a new opportunity for the EU market. Healthy and qualitative traits of different sweet potato cultivars grown in temperate climate conditions were evaluated in accordance with four cooking methods. RESULTS Traditional cultivars showed high hardness and adhesiveness values. The highest concentrations of sugars (especially maltose) and phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic) were found in samples treated by boiling and steaming. High antioxidant activity was found in fried potatoes. Qualitative traits of sweet potatoes treated by microwaves did not report any significant variation compared to the control. CONCLUSION Traditional and new sweet potato cultivars can be cultivated in temperate climate conditions and show interesting qualitative properties, especially as a result of the presence of antioxidant compounds. Concerning global quality, colored varieties expressed a better profile than traditional Italian ones and they are suitable for the European market, giving new opportunities for consumers and producers.

Fertilizers: Criteria of Choice for Vegetable Crops

The use of fertilizers in vegetable production is an essential element to achieve good production and high quality products. However, there are many alternatives in the choice of fertilizers not only in relation to the different vegetable crops, but also in relation to the new challenges that are posed by the increasing world population and environmental issues. In recent decades there has been a marked change in many countries linked to the increasing use of natural fertilizers and soil improvers in place of the classic mineral fertilizers. To better understand the effect that individual fertilizers or soil improvers may determine is necessary to know the main chemical and physical parameters of soil. Fertilizers often influence these parameters generally behaving in a positive way, but also negative if improperly managed.

Quality and Potential Healthy Traits in Vegetables and Berries

In recent years, the sensitivity of consumers and producers towards the environment and health topics has increased significantly, and these issues are involving more and more the agricultural world. Much has been done in terms of cropping systems and technology, but the issues relating to the quality and nutritional value of products turn out to be more complex and sensitive. In this regard, the consumer is more aware of these issues thanks to the many suggestions offered daily both in the health and in a healthy diet.