Selenium distribution and nitrate metabolism in hydroponic lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.): Effects of selenium forms and light spectra

A deficiency in selenium(Se) in the human diet is a worldwide problem. The intake of Se-rich vegetables can be a safe way to combat Se deficiency for humans. However, most leafy vegetables can accumulate a high content of nitrates, which poses a potential threat to human health. Light is an important environmental factor that regulates the uptake and distribution of mineral elements and nitrogen metabolism in plants. However, the effects of Se forms and light conditions, especially light spectra, on the uptake and translocation of Se and on nitrate reduction are poorly understood. In this study, lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.) was treated with exogenous Se applied as selenate(10 mmol L^-1) and selenite(0.5 mmol L^-1) and grown under five different light spectra: fluorescent light(FL), monochromatic red LED light(R), monochromatic blue LED light(B), and mixed red and blue LED light with a red to blue light ratio at 4(R/B=4), 8(R/B=8), and 12(R/B=12), respectively. The effects of light spectra and Se forms on plant growth, photosynthetic performance, Se accumulation and nitrate reduction were investigated. The results showed that the light spectra and Se forms had significant interactions for plant growth, foliar Se accumulation and nitrate reduction. The Se concentration and nitrate content in the leaves were negatively correlated with the percentage of red light from the light sources. Compared to Se applied as selenite, exogenous Se applied as selenate was more effective in reducing nitrate via promoting nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase activities. The lowest nitrate content and highest plant biomass were observed under R/B=8 for both the selenate and selenite treatments. The significant effect of the light spectra on the root concentration factor and translocation factor of Se resulted in marked variations in the Se concentrations in the roots and leaves. Compared with FL, red and blue LED light led to significant decreases in the foliar Se concentration. The results from this study suggest that the light spectra can contribute to Se distribution and accumulation to produce vegetables with better food quality.

Effects of Priming in Combination with Fungicides on Germination and Infestation of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Two seed lots of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Krlowa Majowych were primed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 at -1.25MPa for 7 days in dark at 20C. Two fungicide treatments combined with PEG were used to control fungi: 1) Funaben T(0.1%) and Apron 35 SD (0.02%) were added to -1.25 MPa PEG solution (PEG+F); 2) After seed priming and drying,Funaben T was mixed at 5 g kg-1 and Apron 35 SD at 1 g kg-1 of seeds (PEG then F dust). PEG, PEG+F and PEG then F dusttreatments reduced significantly thermodormancy and increased the seed germination at 35C in both lots. PEG then Fdust treatment had the best effect on reducing seed thermodormancy at 35C, and increased seed germination to 64.5% inlot 1 and 72.0% in lot 2 compared to 0 in untreated. PEG and PEG then F dust treatments have accelerated germinationspeed at 20 and 15C in both lots. There was a significant reduction in seed infestation in which the seeds were treatedwith PEG+F and PEG then F dust compared to untreated seeds and PEG primed seeds. PEG priming enhanced seedinfestation considerably by Alternaria alternata, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Ulocladium spp. Mycologicalanalysis showed higher frequency of Alternaria alternata and Ulocladium spp. in untreated seeds at 20C. Priming incombination with fungicides significantly alleviated the infestation of fungi, especially Alternaria alternata infestation.

Assessment of Heavy Metals and Microbial Pollution of Lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i>) Cultivated in Two Sites (Paspanga and Tanghin) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Environmental pollution can have detrimental effects on crop yield and its consumers. The current study was designed to investigate the potential human health risks associated with the consumption of lettuce crop contaminated with toxic heavy metals and microbiological status. Irrigated water, soil and lettuce were analyzed by AAS technics for heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Transfer factor (TF), daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were also calculated. Microbial analysis was carried out for the presence foodborne pathogens. The results showed that the heavy metals contents were higher in the soil than wastewater and the vegetables. Heavy metals ranged (mg·Kg-1) for Cd (1.27 to 2.93), Cr (7.28 to 7.38), Cu (0.91 to 1.70), Mn (0.29 to 6.60), Ni (1.74 to 2.16), Pb (1.32 to 1.69), Zn (3.08 to 3.79);and were higher than the WHO maximum limit permissible (ML) in vegetables. HRI TF values designated an enhanced bio-contamination. Microbial numeration revealed the presence of spoiler and pathogenic microorganisms. The lettuce tested was not safe for human use, especially for direct consumption by human beings.

Bolting and Flowering Response of <i>Lactuca georgica</i>, a Wild Lettuce Relative, to Low Temperatures

To learn about the phenological adaptation of Lactuca georgica Grossh., a wild relative of domesticated lettuce, we studied seed sampled accessions obtained from individual plants at 19 locations throughout six regions in Armenia, and from two natural populations in Dagestan (Russian Federation) collected as bulk samples. The effects of various vernalization treatments on time to bolting, flowering and seed production time were investigated during four successive years at different growth stages of L. georgica plants. We demonstrate that low temperatures play a major role in stimulating the reproduction process of L. georgica plants. Our results would suggest that for L. georgica: 1) There is an obligatory (or nearly so) vernalization requirement;2) Plant age, vernalization duration, and genotype of original sample have a role in bolting and flowering regulation;3) Some plants behaved as typical annuals, responding to vernalization treatment at the seedling stage, but, most did not;4) Four months of vernalization could be adequate to reach bolting in plants with a developed vegetative rosette, for most—but not all—samples;5) In order to find the best solution for stimulating the reproductive process of multiple genotypes, it seems that further study should focus on about 4 - 6 months of vernalization at 4°C applied to plants of about 10 - 22 months old vegetative rosettes, with controlled post-vernalization condition;6) L. georgica germplasm could be used as a source for delayed bolting in breeding of domesticated lettuce varieties.

TDZ对莴苣(Lactuca sativa L.)器官发生及乙烯形成的影响

为了研究TDZ在植物器官发生中的生理作用，用不同浓度的TDZ替代MS中的BA，发现仅用1／50BA浓度（0．1mg／L）的TDZ处理，已相当于用BA处理所得芽数，可见它具有很强的细胞分裂素活性；但是TDZ又能显著促进乙烯形成，较低浓度时抑制莴苣的器官发生，可能此时乙烯起着主导作用。

生菜(Lactuca sativa var ro mana Hort.)下胚轴愈伤组织的诱导与植株再生

通过对生菜下胚轴的愈伤诱导和植株再生的研究 ,发现诱导愈伤组织时 ,MS培养基中加 0 .5mg/L 6 BA + 1mg/L 2 ,4 D + 0 .1mg/LNAA效果最好 ,其出愈率达 94 %;愈伤组织分化为芽时 ,在MS + 1.0mg/L 6 BA + 0 .0 5mg/L NAA中分化频率最高 ,达 10 0 %.再生苗可在 1/ 2MS+ 0 .5mg/L NAA中诱导生根成完整植株 .

Chemical composition of essential oils and in vitro antioxidant activity of fresh and dry leaves crude extracts of medicinal plant of Lactuca Sativa L.native to sultanate of Oman

Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L.sativa).Methods:The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L.sativa(lettuce)grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method.The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity(DPPH)method.Results:About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07%and 79.88%respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves asα-pinene(5.11%and 4.05%).γ-cymene(2.07%and 1.92%),thymol(11.55%and 10.73%),durenol(52.00%and 49.79%),α-terpinene(1.66%and 1.34%),thymol acetate(0.99%and 0.67%),caryophyllene(2.11%and 1.98%),spathulenol(3.09%and 2.98%).camphene(4.11%and3.65%),limonene(1.28%and 1.11%)representing these major chemical compounds.However,some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including p-pinene,α-terpinolene,linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,o-methylthymol,L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene.Conclusions:The chemical consliluents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons.Therefore,the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant,antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.

Two new eudesmane sesquiterpenes from Lactuca sativa var.anagustata L

Two new eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the stalk of Lactuca sativa vat anagustata L and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR （1H-1H COSY, HMBC and NOESY） as 1β-O-β-D- glucopyranosyl-4α-hydroxyl-5α, 6β, 11βH-eudesma-12, 6α-olide （1） and 1β-hydroxyl-15-O-（p-methoxyphenylacetyl）-5α, 6β, 11 βH-eudesma-3-en- 12, 6a-olide （2）.

Anxiolytic property of hydro-alcohol extract of Lactuca sativa and its effect on behavioral activities of mice

Lactuca sativa, belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a leafy vegetable known for its medicinal properties. This study aimed to understand the mechanism of Lactuca sativa extract with respect to pharmacological action. We investigated the anxiolytic effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of Lactuca sativa on mice. The behav- ioral tests performed on mice models to assess anti-anxiety properties were： open field test （OFT）, elevated plus maze test （EPM）, elevated T maze test, and marble burying test. Increased locomotor activity and time spent in the ＂open-ann＂ were observed in extract fed group. Malondialdehyde （MDA） and nitrite levels were decreased, cata- lase and glutathione levels were increased in Lactuca sativa treated mice. The data obtained in the present study suggests that the extract of Lactuca sativa can afford significant protection against anxiolytic activity.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for Miniature Hydroponic Lettuce

There is growing concern about food safety, environmental impact, and efficient energy usage in agricultural production systems. Producing lettuce under artificial lighting could be a solution addressing these concerns. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer the advantages of a narrow light spectrum, low power consumption, and little heat production. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different light sources on the growth of miniature “Tom Thumb” butterhead lettuce in a non-circulating hydroponic system. Lettuce seedlings, started in Oasis Horticubes, were transferred to net pots in containers with a hydroponic nutrient solution. The lettuce was grown in a lab under three light treatments—blue LEDs, red LEDs, and fluorescent lights. At the end of the study, fluorescent lights resulted in greater root dry weight than blue LEDs and red LEDs. Total plant dry weight under fluorescent lights was greater than under red LEDs. There were no significant differences in shoot dry weight and plant height among the treatments. Percent partitioning of dry weight to shoots was greatest with red LEDs, followed by blue LEDS, and fluorescent lights. Percent partitioning of dry weight to roots was greatest with fluorescent lights, followed by blue LEDS, and red LEDs. Leaf chlorophyll content was greater under blue LEDs and fluorescent lights than red LEDs. The pH of the nutrient solution of the blue LED and the fluorescent light treatments were greater than the red LED treatment. Electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution of the fluorescent light treatment was greater than the blue LED treatment and the red LED treatment. In conclusion, LEDs could provide an alternative lighting source for miniature lettuce production.

Lettuce production according to different sources of organic matter and soil cover

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the leading vegetables produced by farmers in the Itabaiana region, and thus it is important to study means of sustainable management for the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the behavior of lettuce with different sources of organic matter and soil cover. Therefore, it was chosen to cultivate Veronica. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field plot of Project Small Farmer—Great Entrepreneur in the municipality of Itabaiana-SE, in 2010. The design was a randomized block design with four replications, with treatments consisting of five sources of organic matter (organic compost, chicken manure, cattle manure, sheep manure, and castor bean) and a control (no fertilizer), all with and without mulch, totaling 12 treatments. We evaluated the characteristics of plant diameter, plant height, fresh and dry root and shoot matter. We also evaluated the influence on the temperature and soil water tension. All productivity characteristics valuated showed the significant interaction between the type of fertilizer and the mulch, except for root dry weight, where only organic manure was a significant factor. When soil mulch was used, the best source of organic matter for growing lettuce was chicken manure, and in the impossibility of using this cover, we recommend the use of organic compost as a source of organic matter, as it showed the best result in the absence of coverage. The cover age also showed good results in relation to a temperature that promoted lower soil water tensions.

Reduced nitrogen availability during growth improves quality in red oak lettuce leaves by minimizing nitrate content, and increasing antioxidant capacity and leaf mineral content

Overuse of N in lettuce production can lead to environmental problems caused by leaching and the accumulation of harmful nitrates in edible tissues. This study investigated the effect of applied nitrogen (N) concentrations between 40 and 2400 mg·L–1 on growth, nitrate accumulation, mineral leaf content, and antioxidant capacity in Oak Leaf lettuce cv. “Shiraz” grown under hydroponic conditions in Australia. Yield (g FW) increased with nitrogen (N) application rate up to 1200 mg·L–1, as did leaf N content, while C:N declined. Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE) increased rapidly from 40 to 75 mg·L–1 applied N, leveling at 150 mg·L–1 with no subsequent effect of N concentrations between 400 and 2400 mg·L–1. Nitrate content rose significantly with increased N, particularly at 1200 and 2400 mg·L–1. Leaf total plant phenolic content (TPP) and antioxidant capacity (measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power—FRAP) were both maximal at 75 and 400 mg·L–1 applied N, while highest oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values were found in leaves supplied with low N (40 to 400 mg·L–1). Applied N as calcium nitrate also significantly affected leaf mineral content as B, Mg, Mn, and Zn significantly decreased with increasing N. These results indicate that N applications of 1200 mg·L–1 or higher can result in reduced antioxidant capacity and mineral content in lettuce leaves.

Anxiolytic property of Lactuca sativa,effect on anxiety behaviour induced by novel food and height

Objective:To study anxiolytic property of hydro alchohol extract and to estimate polyphenols present in the extract by HPLC.Methods:To evaluate anxiolytic properly two animal models were used viz.Elevated T maze and hyponeophagia.Diazepam(1 mg/kg body wt.) served as the standard anxiolvtic agent for all the tests.The dried extract of the plant leaf in doses of 100.200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to mice for duration of 1? or 30 days and locomotor and anxiolytic activities were performed.Polyphenols was estimated using HPLC. Results:The HPLC analysis of the polyphenols revealed the presence chlorogenic acid,vanillin, epicatechin,caffeic acid,rutin hydrate,sinapic acid,quercetin-3-rhamnoside.p-coumeric acid and quercitin.Time spent and number of entries into the open arm was improved in 30 days treated animals than that of 15 days treated groups,200 and 400 mg/kg body weight treated group showed significant results when comparing with the control group.Conclusions:Te hydro alcohol extract rich in Polyphenols and other secondary metabolites is a potent anxiolytic agent.

Postharvest responses of hydroponically grown lettuce varieties to nitrogen application rate

Limited information is available on the influence of preharvest N application rates on postharvest quality of different lettuce genotypes. Two green leafy lettuce (Multigreen 1 and Multigreen 3) and red leafy lettuce (Multired 4) were grown in gravel film technique and fertigated with five different N application rates: 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L^-1. The 120 mg L^-1 N application is commercially recommended for lettuce. After harvest, lettuce samples were packed in a bioriented poly propylene packaging (5% O2 and 5% CO2) and held at 5°C and 85% RH for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. The genotypes, preharvest N application rates and storage time affected the leaf colour coordinates, phenolic acids (dicaffeoyltataric acid, caffeoyl tartaric acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) and browning enzyme activities (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)). Lower rates of N application at preharvest stage showed higher weight loss with the storage time increasing in Multigreen 3. In Multigreen 1, colour coordinate b* value decreased remarkably with N application rates from 60 to 120 mg L^–1 due to the onset of browning during storage. While in Multigreen 3 and N application higher than 60 mg L^–1 influenced the decrease in b* value. Browning occurred due to the increased activity of PAL enzyme and the availability of the substrates caftaric, chlorogenic, caffeic acids, PPO activity and production of browning pigments due to the activity of POD. Higher, N application rates (>120 mg L^–1) influenced the browning mechanism and showed brownish red leaves in Multired 4 during storage. Higher ascorbic acid concentration played a role in reducing the onset of browning in the fresh cuts leaves of Mulitired 4 and Multigreen 3 fertilized with lower preharvest lower N application rates (<120 mg L^–1). Preharvest N application at 90 mg L^–1 retained the colour, ascorbic acid content and the phenolic acid components and extended the shelf life of Multired 4 lettuce up to 6 days.

Carboxymethylcellulase Activity in Lettuce Seeds Prior to Germination

Does the endosperm pose a mechanical resistance on embryonic axis (radicle) growth for lettuce seed (achene) germination? To aid answering this question, the cell wall degrading enzyme, carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) was extracted and assayed from lettuce seeds imbibed for 0 to 12 h, prior to germination. Measuring the loss of viscosity of carboxymethylcellulose, CMCase activity was high in dry seeds, low after 6 h of imbibition, high after 9 and 10 h, and then reduced again after 12 h. Fractions from Sephadex columns showed CMCase activity in three peaks labeled E1, E2, E3. The greatest change in CMCase activity during imbibition was with E3 (molecular weight of about 40,000 Daltons) and some reduction in E2 (molecular weight about 280,000). The RNA synthesis inhibitor, 6-methyl purine, eliminated CMCase activity when present from 4.5 to 7 h of imbibition and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, eliminated CMCase activity when present between 5.5 and 9 h. Imbibition in darkness lowered CMCase activity while 15 min of light at 3.5 h restored it and 30 min of far-red light at 3 h eliminated it. Increasing the imbibition temperature to 35°C under light reduced activity while under darkness, activity was eliminated under 24°C and 35°C. CMCase activity was localized in the endosperm surrounding the embryonic axis (micropylar end) of 9 h imbibed seeds. These observations showed that CMCase was active in degrading the cell wall in the endosperm surrounding the radicle, weakening it, prior to radicle protrusion so that the radicle remains undamaged.

An Improved Method for Fractionation of Small Quantities of Lettuce Latex

While large quantities of latex can be handled either by standard extraction techniques such as Soxhlet extraction or accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), smaller samples on the order of 0.3 - 0.5 g require handling on a microscale. We collected latex from lettuce plants in microcentrifuge tubes and, after drying under vacuum, resuspended the dried sample in acetone by holding in an ultrasonic cleaner. The resulting fine suspension was readily extracted with acetone and toluene to provide fractions representing the resin and rubber content of the latex. Using this approach, we compared latex from stems of bolting lettuce and from the floral stem of lettuce plants. While both types of stems contained a similar percentage of resin, the rubber content of the bolting stems exceeded that of the floral stems.

Construction of Lactuca sativa Plastid Transformation Vector and High-level Expression of gfp Gene in Escherichia coli

Using genomic DNA of bolting-tolerant lettuce as a template,flanking fragments of lettuce plastid rpo A gene were amplified and cloned by PCR. Targeting the sites of these two fragments,homologous recombinant fragments of exogenous gene were integrated to construct lettuce plastid expression vector p Brpo AGFP,which harbored the expression cassette Prrn-gfp-aad A-Tpsb A. The results showed that the amplified flanking fragments were 1.2 and 1.1 kb in size. After sequencing,restriction digestion,ligation and transformation,lettuce plastid expression vector containing expression cassette Prrn-gfp-aad A-Tpsb A was constructed and confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The results of SDS-PAGE electrophoresis indicated that gfp gene was efficiently expressed under the regulation of plasmid specific promoter Prrn and terminator Tpsb A. GFP accounted for 45. 6% of total soluble proteins; inclusion bodies accounted for 47.5 % of bacterial proteins,which reached relatively high expression levels. The construction of lettuce plastid expression vector p Brpo A-GFP laid a solid foundation for establishment of subsequent lettuce plastid transformation system and genetic improvement of lettuce using various functional genes.

Effect of Cadmium on <i>Lactuca sativa</i>Grown in Hydroponic Culture Enriched with Phosphate Fertilizer

Cadmium (Cd), one of the most toxic heavy metals added to soil after phosphate fertilizer treatment, was investigated. The effects of this metal on morphological and physiological changes of Lactuca sativa were studied in addition to its partitioning in different parts of the crop. In parallel, Lactuca sativa was allowed to grow under hydroponic conditions with modifications of the Hoagland nutrient solution. This solution was submitted to five Cd concentrations, 0, 0.093, 0.186, 0.279 and 0.372 mg Cd/L and three P concentrations, 0, 299 and 1420 mg P/L. The study showed a positive effect of phosphorus on root elongation, surface area while cadmium inhibited plant growth and sometimes the death of the plants. Cadmium was found to be accumulated in roots while zinc was preferably accumulated in the leaves and stems. The increase of performance of Lactuca sativa under hydroponic condition and Hoagland contaminated solution with cadmium was found to be better than the ones grown in Cd amended soil with or without phosphorus.

Production of Lettuce Seedlings with Association of Diazotrophic Bacteria and Humic Acids

The objective of this work was to verify the responses in agronomic and physiological characters of lettuce seedlings when submitted to different doses of humic acids and the presence or absence of inoculation of the bacterium Azospirillum brasilense. The experiment was carried out at the Protected Cultivation Station and Biological Control Teacher Mário César Lopes, belonging to the Experimental Stations Nucleus of the State University of the West of Paraná. The experimental design was a randomized block design, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with four repetitions, totaling 40 plots. The first factor consisted of five solutions containing humic acid (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%) and the second factor was the presence or absence of the diazotrophic bacterium Azospirillum brasilense obtained by commercial product. Germination tests were carried out in addition to the determination of agronomic characters such as the number of fully expanded leaves, plant height, stem diameter, main root length, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, and Dickson quality index. The association of diazotrophic bacteria and humic acids did not influence the emergency rate, mean emergence time, mean speed of emergency, emergence speed index, plant height, and root length of lettuce seedlings. The dilutions of humic acids, regardless of inoculation with bacteria diazotrophic favored the development of the number of leaves, stem diameter and Dickson quality index. Inoculation of lettuce seeds with diazotrophic bacteria associated with the addition of humic acids, favored the development of the dry mass of root and total dry matter.