Effect of Botanical Extracts on the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Field-Grown White Head Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Abstract

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are gaining more attention amongst consumers interested in nutritious food. The consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of phytochemicals has been proven to provide various health benefits. The application of biostimulants is a potential strategy to fortify cultivated plants with beneficial bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it has not yet been established whether the proposed higher plants (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, and valerian) are appropriate for the production of potential bio-products enhancing the nutritional value of white cabbage. Therefore, this research examines the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage grown under field conditions. Two extraction methods were used for the production of water-based bio-products, namely: ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation. Bio-products were applied as foliar sprays to evaluate their impact on total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, nitrates, micro- and macroelements, volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and sugars. Botanical extracts showed different effects on the examined parameters. The best results in terms of physiological and biochemical properties of cabbage were obtained for extracts from common dandelion, valerian, nettle, and giant goldenrod. When enriched with nutrients, vegetables can constitute a valuable component of functional food.

Effect of Different Forms of Sulfur Fertilization on Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Activity of White Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea L.)

“…In the study by Godlewska at al. [24], the measured vitamin C content was higher than that determined in the present study for fresh cabbage, a difference which may be attributed to different weather conditions in the respective research years. However, the chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents were similar.…”

Systematic Investigation of the Effects of Seven Plant Extracts on the Physiological Parameters, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus)

“…The first term of leaves of rosette collection - To L MH (16.4 and 19.7% less (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) Field tests -radish (current study) (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) The first term of leaves of rosette collection -To L MH (6.9 and 20.7% less than in C and CB)…”

“…(Paradiković et al, 2018). We have conducted a series of experiments on various plant species, including radish (present study, field conditions), celeriac (field conditions) (Godlewska et al, 2020b), cabbage seedlings (laboratory tests) (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a, and white head cabbage (field conditions) (Godlewska et al, 2021), using botanical extracts (produced from St. John's wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, and valerian). Significant differences were observed in the plant responses to these bioproducts.…”

“…Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) Field tests -radish (current study)…”

“…Laboratory tests -cabbage seedlings (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) Field tests -radish (current study) less than in CB) -To F MH (1.5 more than in C and 3.3% less than in CB) Outer leaves of head weight > 1.2 kg -Sg L UAE (17.9 and 11.3% more than in C and CB) -Tp F MH (10.6 and 4.4% more than in C and CB) -Sg L MH (9.3 and 3.1% more than in C and CB) -Hp H UAE (7.9 and 1.9% more than in C and CB) (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) Field tests -radish (current study) (Godlewska et al, 2019(Godlewska et al, , 2020a Field tests -cabbage (Godlewska et al, 2021) Field tests -celeriac (Godlewska et al, 2020b) Field tests -radish (current study) Leaves after the second spraying -Hp H UAE (7.6 and 9.6% less than in C and CB) Heads after harvest -Ur L MH (9.7 and 6.8% less than in C and CB)…”