Seasonal Variation of Health-Promoting Bioactives in Broccoli and Methyl-Jasmonate Pre-Harvest Treatments to Enhance Their Contents

Abstract

Broccoli is a source of bioactive compounds that provide an important nutritional value. The content of these compounds can vary depending on agronomic and environmental conditions, as well as on elicitation. In this study, three crop trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of the cultivation season, the application of different dosages of methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) on the overall quality and on the total content of bioactive compounds of ‘Parthenon’ broccoli cultivated under the field conditions of southeastern Spain. Color parameters, chlorophyll content, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were measured to evaluate the overall quality. Moreover, individual carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detector coupled to mass spectrometer using electro spray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn). The content of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were higher in autumn compared with spring, showing increases of 2.8-fold, 2-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively. Moreover, a double application of MeJA increased the contents of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates by 22%, 32% and 39%, respectively, relative to the untreated samples. Considering our results, the controlled and timely application of 250 µM MeJA to the aerial parts of the plants four days before harvest, on two consecutive days, seems to be a valid agronomic strategy to improve the health-promoting capacity of Parthenon broccoli, without compromising its overall quality.

Application of Broccoli Leaf Powder in Gluten-Free Bread: An Innovative Approach to Improve Its Bioactive Potential and Technological Quality

“…Among them, broccoli ( Brassica oleracea var. italica ) has acquired considerable relevance in the last few years as a “therapeutic” food, since it contains pharmacologically active substances [ 16 , 17 ]. Many studies have been focused on broccoli florets, which represent only 15% of the total aerial biomass [ 18 ].…”

The Application of Fe-EDTA and Sodium Silicate Affects the Polyphenols Content in Broccoli and Radish Sprouts

“…A great deal of research attention has been paid to sulforaphane, whose health properties are well established [14]. Available data have shown that the consumption of sprouts plays an important role in human health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases [10,11,13,15,16].…”

Different Temperature Regimes Influenced the Quality of Broccoli Seedlings, Which Caused a Change in the Chemical Composition of Mature Heads

“…Broccoli, which belongs to the group of important vegetable crops, is widely cultivated in the world and is rich in bioactive compounds and minerals [1][2][3]. Health benefits from broccoli are associated with high amounts of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, carotenoids, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, and selenium [4,5]. Phytochemicals occurring in vegetable crops mainly undergo genetic control and environmental conditions [5,6].…”

“…Health benefits from broccoli are associated with high amounts of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, carotenoids, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, and selenium [4,5]. Phytochemicals occurring in vegetable crops mainly undergo genetic control and environmental conditions [5,6]. Apart from breeding strategies, agronomic methods to increase the content of bioactive components in broccoli are also being sought [1].…”