V. Ferrari

Variations in the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacity of organically and conventionally grown Italian cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. subsp. botrytis): results from a three-year field study.

A three-year field study (2009-2011) was performed to evaluate phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities of two genotypes (HF1 Emeraude and the local variety, Velox) of green cauliflower grown under organic and conventional management. The conventional system increased yield, but had little effect on the dry matter, whereas the organic system increased the soluble solids. Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity showed significant year-to-year variability. During the third year, the scarce rainfall determined a significant increase of total glucosinolates and a general decrease of antioxidants in all samples. Interestingly, in the same year organic plants were less affected by the unfavorable climatic conditions, as they increased ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and carotenoids with respect to conventional ones. The overall results for the three years showed that the two genotypes responded differently. Compared to the conventional system, Velox showed 24, 21, 13, 48, and 44% higher content of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, carotenoids, volatiles, and antioxidant capacity, respectively. In contrast, no significant increase in the phytochemicals or the antioxidant potential was found in organic Emeraude, with the exception of total volatiles (+41%). These findings suggest that organic cultivation may be highly effective for particular cauliflower genotypes.

Effects of Irrigation-Fertilization and Irrigation-Mycorrhization on the Alimentary and Nutraceutical Properties of Tomatoes

Tomato, a key vegetable in the Italian Mediterranean diet, has recently gaining been attention in relation to the prevention of some human diseases. This interest is due to the presence of carotenoids and particularly lycopene, which is an unsaturated alkylic compound, that appears to be an active compound in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular risk and in slowing down cellular aging, owing to its high antioxidant and antiradical power (Gerster 1997; Giovannucci et al. 1995). Lycopene is found in fresh, red-ripe tomatoes as all-trans (79-91 %) and cis(9-21%) isomers (Boileau et al., 2002; Shi et al., 1999; Stahh & Sies, 1992).