The effect of growth conditions on flavonols and anthocyanins accumulation in green and red lettuce

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different growth conditions on anthocyanins and flavonols accumulation in leaves of green and red loose leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa). Lettuce plants were grown in three types of conditions, in greenhouse (I. variant), behind clear glass in field (II. variant) and in open field conditions (III. variant). Estimation of anthocyanins and flavonols content was done by non-destructive measurements with optical fluorescence sensor Multiplex ® 3 (Force-A, France). It was estimated that green lettuce varieties had a greater flavonols content compared to red lettuce varieties in all experimental variants. The highest level of flavonols was detected in leaves of green variety Zoltán (1.218 RU) and in red lettuce had the highest amount of flavonols in variety Carmesi (1.095 RU). At the same time red lettuce varieties were characterized by higher anthocyanins content. Parameter anthocyanin index is correlated with visible red coloration of leaves. The highest content of anthocyanins was detected in variety Oakly (0.867 RU). Under the open field conditions was found statistically significant higher (P < 0.05) flavonols and anthocyanins level in both green and red lettuce leaves compared to greenhouse conditions. It may be connected with intensification of flavonoids biosynthesis and accumulation which normally stimulated by sun irradiation, especially UV-B radiation.

Potassium Silicate in the Acclimatization of Arabica Coffee Seedlings under Shaded and Full Sun Conditions

“…In this way, the production and accumulation of these compounds can be detected by the photooxidative damages caused in the seedlings due to the high irradiance or by the potential photo inhibition of the region where the experiment was conducted. Similar results were observed while studying the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonoids in two varieties of lettuce cultivated in greenhouses and in full sun, and attributed the increase of these compounds to the intensification of their biosynthesis, which is normally stimulated by UV-B radiation from the sun [18].…”

Current Review of the Modulatory Effects of LED Lights on Photosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites and Future Perspectives of Microgreen Vegetables

“…38 UV radiation in open field conditions on green and red loose-leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) showed overall greater accumulation of flavonol and anthocyanin compounds compared to greenhouse cultivation. 39 UV-B light irradiation enhanced key secondary compounds in the leaves during acclimation; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of UV-A and -C light on flavonoid biosynthesis in microgreens. Only a few studies exist on the modulatory effects on flavonol synthesis in response to narrow band LED lighting, with most reporting an increase in synthesis upon UV exposure 40 and under FL.…”

Toward Human Health-Promoting Food Plants: Perspectives of Marker-Assisted Breeding of Anthocyanin-Rich Lettuce

“…Therefore, anthocyanins biosynthesis rate is closely controlled by multiple environmental factors including intensity and spectral properties of light, temperature, humidity, presence of various substances in soil and air, microbial or viral infections. These factors can influence both total concentration and composition of anthocyanins in lettuce (Becker et al, 2014;Brücková et al, 2016;Kitazaki et al, 2018).…”