Horticulturae

Editorial

4 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Recent Findings on Stress Effects, Elicitors, Harvesting and Market Development

by Saeid Hazrati, Andrea Ertani and Silvana Nicola

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121109 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

There is an expanding interest worldwide in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) due to their use as raw materials in the production of medicinal, aromatic and cosmetic products [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

Research

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11 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Oil Components of Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Leaves Obtained from Plants Cultivated under Salinity Stress Conditions

by Amina Ben Ayed, Giampaolo Zanin, Echrak Aissa and Faouzi Haouala

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050442 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) is a strict endemic species of natural vegetation of the Mediterranean region, which is known for its medicinal, aromatic, forestry, ornamental and culinary properties. This species produces valuable essential oil (EO). The content of EO and its composition [...] Read more.

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) is a strict endemic species of natural vegetation of the Mediterranean region, which is known for its medicinal, aromatic, forestry, ornamental and culinary properties. This species produces valuable essential oil (EO). The content of EO and its composition depend on different factors, e.g., genetic, cultural practices and environmental conditions. Among these, salt stress is a major limiting factor, which affects almost all plant functions. Similar to essential oils (EOs), biotic and abiotic stresses may stimulate or inhibit the emission of volatile compounds (VCs) in plant materials, suggesting that these substances can be responsible on stress defense strategies. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) of the irrigation water on VCs of laurel leaves. Our results showed that salt stress affected the volatile metabolites compounds, mainly the major ones. For instance, 1,8-cineole and linalool were negatively affected by high salinity levels, while the opposite was observed for α-terpenyl acetate and methyl eugenol. The proportion of grouped compounds of laurel VCs also differed among the studied treatments. The relative content of oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons, respectively the first and the second largest groups, decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Differently, the relative amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbon group increased, especially at 100 mM NaCl. These findings indicate that the cultivation of laurel in marginal lands, characterized by high salinity or low-quality water, must be carefully evaluated because it significantly varies the quality of its products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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23 pages, 5005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Phytopharmaceutical and Alkaloid Production in Periwinkle Plants by Endophyte and Abiotic Elicitors

by Saad Farouk, Arwa Abdulkreem AL-Huqail and Seham M. A. El-Gamal

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030237 - 09 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2582

Abstract

Periwinkle plant represents a major source of immensely vital terpenoid indole alkaloids and natural antioxidants which are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. A pot experiment was done to evaluate the role of two periwinkle endophytes (Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp.) with or [...] Read more.

Periwinkle plant represents a major source of immensely vital terpenoid indole alkaloids and natural antioxidants which are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. A pot experiment was done to evaluate the role of two periwinkle endophytes (Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus sp.) with or without abiotic elicitors (aluminum chloride, tryptophan, and chitosan) on plant biomass, physio-biochemical attributes, phytopharmaceutical constituents, and alkaloid production. Inoculation with endophyte microbes significantly increased plant growth, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and alkaloid yield. It also decreased oxidative biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) and had no significant effects on flavonoids and anthocyanin. In this regard, Streptomyces sp. was more effective than Bacillus sp. Foliar spraying with chitosan significantly increased plant growth, chlorophyll, ions, antioxidant capacity, phytopharmaceutical constituents (total soluble phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin), and alkaloid yield, associated with a decline in oxidative biomarkers. Conversely, aluminum chloride application generally increased oxidative biomarkers, which was associated with a decreasing effect on plant growth, chlorophyll, and ions. Application of either tryptophan or chitosan with endophyte microbes increased plant growth, chlorophyll, ions, antioxidants, and alkaloid; meanwhile, it decreased oxidative biomarkers. On the contrary, aluminum chloride with endophytes evoked oxidative damage that was associated with a reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll, ions, and phytopharmaceutical constituents. The current study provides a proof-of-concept of the use of the endophyte Streptomyces sp. with chitosan for enhancing periwinkle plant biomass, phytopharmaceuticals accumulation, and alkaloid production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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16 pages, 1467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Harvesting Time Variations on Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Sage (Salvia officinalis)

by Saeid Hazrati, Pouya Beidaghi, Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli, Seyyed Jaber Hosseini and Silvana Nicola

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020149 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and essential oil (EO) components of sage as a function of the diurnal variation. The EOs from the aerial parts of the plant harvested at different day/night times were extracted by hydro-distillation. [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and essential oil (EO) components of sage as a function of the diurnal variation. The EOs from the aerial parts of the plant harvested at different day/night times were extracted by hydro-distillation. Plants were harvested in 2 h intervals (twelve harvesting times during each 24-h day). Harvesting between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. revealed the highest EO percentage (1.14%), whereas harvesting between 04:00 and 06:00 a.m. indicated the minimum EO percentage (0.599%). The analysis of the EO identified 32 components. The major identified EO compounds were cis-thujone (34.38–46.18%), 1,8-cineol (8.70–11.07%), camphor (9.65–14.38%), and trans-thujone (9.43–14.19%). The highest value of cis-thujone (46.18%) was related to the harvest time of 04:00–06:00 a.m., and the lowest value (34.38%) was recorded at the harvest time of 00:00–02:00 a.m. The highest value of trans-thujone (14.19%) was obtained between 10:00–00:00 p.m., and the lowest value (9.43%) was obtained between 10:00–12:00 a.m. Camphor was another dominant compound where the highest (14.38%) was observed at 00:00–2:00 a.m. Our findings in sage, for the first time, may pave the route towards the optimization of sage EO quality and quantity by selecting the best harvesting time of the plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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16 pages, 3572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Curing Moisture Content Affect Black Garlic Physiochemical Quality?

by Piyachat Sunanta, Tanachai Pankasemsuk, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Noppol Leksawasdi, Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Phisit Seesuriyachan and Sarana Rose Sommano

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120535 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

This research examined the changes of black garlic (BG) quality attributes when raw materials of different initial moisture contents (iMC) were used. Fresh garlic bulbs (cv. Thai) were shade-dried for eight weeks at a controlled condition at 29 °C and relative humidity (RH) [...] Read more.

This research examined the changes of black garlic (BG) quality attributes when raw materials of different initial moisture contents (iMC) were used. Fresh garlic bulbs (cv. Thai) were shade-dried for eight weeks at a controlled condition at 29 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 55% to the desired iMC (ranging from ca. 50–70%). BG processing was at 75 °C, RH = 80% for ten days. After processing, physiological characteristics and chemical properties of garlic were determined. Results illustrated that fresh garlic with higher moisture content (ca. 70%) resulted in BG of a dark brown colour, sloppy texture, and lesser acidity (pH = 4.44), while samples with lower iMCs (<50%) gave products that were completely black, elastic in texture, and with higher acidity (pH = 3.79). The analysed bioactive compounds, as well as their antioxidative potentials, suggested that the longer the curing time, the higher the functional properties of the finished products, possessing a total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of 15.54 mg/kg dry matter sample, 1.53 mg/kg dry matter sample, and 95.39%, respectively. Principle component analysis (PCA) of active metabolites confirmed that sulfur, S-allyl-L-cysteine, and flavonoid were among the main phytochemicals found in the BG. In summary, higher quality BG can be achieved by using raw materials of lower iMC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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Graphical abstract

10 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions, and Hot Peppers from Different Types of Markets in Three U.S. States

by Yi Su, Wei-Yea Hsu, Tung-Shi Huang and Amarat Simonne

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060122 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

The consumption of fresh produce and use of fresh herbs as flavoring agents in range of culinary preparation has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for a healthier lifestyle. Consumer preference for farmers’ markets and locally owned grocery stores have also [...] Read more.

The consumption of fresh produce and use of fresh herbs as flavoring agents in range of culinary preparation has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for a healthier lifestyle. Consumer preference for farmers’ markets and locally owned grocery stores have also grown in the U.S. in recent years. Most consumers perceive locally available produce to be a safer choice, but limited data is available. We evaluated microbiological quality, including aerobic plate count (APC), generic E. coli and total coliforms (TC), and human pathogens (Salmonella spp., E. coli O157: H7, and Shigella sonnei/Shigella spp.), of cilantro (n = 132), green onions (n = 131), jalapeño peppers (n = 129) and serrano peppers (n = 126) purchased from national chains, farmers’ markets and locally owned grocery stores in seven cities of the U.S. Of the 518 samples, enumerable populations of E. coli were found in one cilantro sample and three jalapeño samples, ranging from 1.18 to 2.42 log₁₀ CFU/g. APC and TC ranged from 3.84 to 9.27 log₁₀ CFU/g and from 0.84 to 5.84 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively. Overall, the APC of produce samples from national chains was lower than that from farmers’ markets and locally owned grocery stores (p < 0.05). Cilantro had a significantly highest APC among tested produce types (p < 0.05). Risk factor analysis indicated that national chain had significant lower APC populations than farmer’s market or local markets (p < 0.05) and cilantro had higher APC populations than the other three types of produce (p < 0.05). Risk factor analysis also showed that TC populations in green onions were significantly higher than those in serrano peppers (p < 0.05). No human pathogens (Salmonella spp., E. coli O157: H7, or Shigella sonnei/Shigella spp.) were detected in any of the tested produce samples. The high prevalence of TC and high APC counts highlight the importance of consumer vigilance and practice in handling fresh produce that is often consumed raw or used to garnish dishes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

16 pages, 5457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Phenylpropanoid Production with Elicitor Treatments in Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai

by Nam Su Kim, Dae Hui Jung, Chung Ryul Jung, Kwon Seok Jeon, Hong Woo Park and Sang Un Park

Horticulturae 2020, 6(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6040108 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai, known as cham-na-mul in Korea, is a popular edible herb and vegetable. Phenolic compounds are recognized as a vital group of plant secondary metabolites that provide innumerable, valuable therapeutic properties. Elicitors are biofactors or chemicals from diverse sources that can [...] Read more.

Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai, known as cham-na-mul in Korea, is a popular edible herb and vegetable. Phenolic compounds are recognized as a vital group of plant secondary metabolites that provide innumerable, valuable therapeutic properties. Elicitors are biofactors or chemicals from diverse sources that can trigger morphological and physiological responses in the target organism. This study examined the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and chitosan treatment on the accretion of phenolic compounds in P. brachycarpa Nakai. This plant was harvested under different concentration of elicitor treatment for time course. Eight phenolic compounds including were detected in response to elicitor using HPLC. While the untreated controls showed the lowest phenolic content, treatment with 0.3% chitosan, 0.1 mM SA, and 0.1 mM MeJA resulted in 1.43-, 1.39-, and 1.35-fold increase in the phenolic content, respectively. The highest content of most of the individual phenolic compounds followed a similar trend according to treatment type, with chitosan treatment showing the highest content, followed by SA and then MeJA treatments. Thus, we demonstrate that the treatment with optimal concentrations of these elicitors for an optimal period of time increases the production of phenolic compounds in P. brachycarpa Nakai. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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Review

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16 pages, 6538 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Hop: An Emerging Crop in Subtropical Areas in Brazil

by Jessiane Mary Jastrombek, Mariana Mendes Faguerazzi, Hyan de Cássio Pierezan, Leo Rufato, Alessandro Jefferson Sato, Wilian da Silva Ricce, Viviani Vieira Marques, Nathalia Rodrigues Leles and Sergio Ruffo Roberto

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050393 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4612

Abstract

Brazil is one of the three largest beer producers in the world. Four basic ingredients are needed as raw material for the production of beer: water, malt, yeast, and hops (Humulus lupulus L.). Until recently, almost all of the hops in Brazil [...] Read more.

Brazil is one of the three largest beer producers in the world. Four basic ingredients are needed as raw material for the production of beer: water, malt, yeast, and hops (Humulus lupulus L.). Until recently, almost all of the hops in Brazil were imported from other countries. However, in the last decade, hop cultivation in Brazil has emerged due to the increase in the number of new craft breweries, which have demanded diversified raw material for the production of various types of beer. Hops is considered a short-day, temperate species, so the major challenge for the development of hop cultivation in Brazil, with high-yield capacity and with local typicity of bitterness and aroma, is the adaptation of cultivars to the photoperiod conditions in subtropical regions. This review addresses the history of hop cultivation in Brazil and characterizes the main climatic elements of three emerging subtropical growing regions located at different latitudes, such as air temperature, photoperiod, solar radiation, and water availability, to provide support for the development of new technologies for hop cultivation, including supplemental lighting, irrigation, and mulching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Quality of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)

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