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Edible Plants
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Edible Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 23327

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Fernando Lidon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ciências da Terra, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus da Caparica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: food technology; nutritional phytotechnology; photosynthesis and primary production; plant biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Through mechanization tools, fertilization, pesticides, and plant breeding techniques, farming has largely improved productivity over the last 60 years. Yet, although with recent generation technologies hi-tech farmers and horticulturalists are already working to further revolutionize productivity, research work is also becoming increasingly fundamental. Indeed, new hi-tech technologies might further emerge from research integrating edaphoclimatic data with technologies for high plant productivity and quality.

In this framework, this Special Issue intends to contribute to our knowledge on innovative technologies applied to edible plants, considering publication articles focused on physiological and biochemical issues, namely monitoring, regulation and metabolic changes.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Lidon
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1267 KiB  
Article
Patterns of Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Edible Native Plants of Chile: Challenges and Future Perspectives
by Pedro León-Lobos, Javiera Díaz-Forestier, Rodrigo Díaz, Juan L. Celis-Diez, Mauricio Diazgranados and Tiziana Ulian
Plants 2022, 11(6), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060744 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4646
Abstract
Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) still play a vital role in the subsistence of many traditional communities, while they are receiving increasing recognition in tackling food security and nutrition at the international level. This paper reviews the use patterns of native WEPs in Chile [...] Read more.
Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) still play a vital role in the subsistence of many traditional communities, while they are receiving increasing recognition in tackling food security and nutrition at the international level. This paper reviews the use patterns of native WEPs in Chile and discusses their role as future crops and sources of food products. We conducted an extensive literature review by assessing their taxonomic diversity, life forms, consumption and preparation methods, types of use (traditional and modern), and nutritional properties. We found that 330 native species were documented as food plants, which represent 7.8% of the total flora of Chile. These species belong to 196 genera and 84 families. The most diverse families are Asteraceae (34), Cactaceae (21), Fabaceae (21), Solanaceae (20) and Apiaceae (19), and the richest genera in terms of number of species are Solanum (9), Ribes (8), Berberis (7), Hypochaeris (7) and Oxalis (6). Perennial herbs are the predominant life form (40%), followed by shrubs (35%), trees (14%), and annual and biannual herbs (11%). Fruits (35.8%), roots (21.5%) and leaves (20.0%) are the parts of plants consumed the most. Nine different food preparation categories were identified, with ‘raw’ forming the largest group (43%), followed by ‘beverages’ (27%), ‘savoury preparations’ (27%), and ‘sweet’ (13%). Almost all native Chilean WEPs have reported traditional food uses, while only a few of them have contemporary uses, with food products mainly sold in local and specialised markets. Species’ richness, taxonomic diversity and family representation have similar patterns to those observed for the world flora and other countries where surveys have been carried out. Some Chilean native WEPs have the potential to become new crops and important sources of nutritious and healthy products in the food industry. However, there are still many gaps in knowledge about their nutritional, anti-nutritional and biochemical characteristics; future research is recommended to unveil their properties and potential uses in agriculture and the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
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14 pages, 2121 KiB  
Article
Salinity and Salt-Priming Impact on Growth, Photosynthetic Performance, and Nutritional Quality of Edible Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.
by Jie He, Olivia Wei Jin Ng and Lin Qin
Plants 2022, 11(3), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030332 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3674
Abstract
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. is a nutritious edible facultative halophyte. This study aimed to investigate the physiology and quality of M. crystallinum L. grown under different salinities and salt-priming conditions. All plants were first grown in 10% artificial seawater (ASW) for 10 days. After [...] Read more.
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. is a nutritious edible facultative halophyte. This study aimed to investigate the physiology and quality of M. crystallinum L. grown under different salinities and salt-priming conditions. All plants were first grown in 10% artificial seawater (ASW) for 10 days. After that, some plants remained in 10% ASW while the others were transferred to 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% ASW for another 10 days. Some plants also underwent a salt priming by transferring them gradually from 10% to 100% ASW over a span of 10 days (defined as salt primed). All plants were green and healthy. However, there were reductions in shoot and root productivity, leaf growth, and water content, but also an increase in leaf succulence after transferring plants to higher salinities. The salt-primed plants showed higher photosynthetic light use efficiency with higher chlorophyll concentration compared to other plants. The concentrations of proline, ascorbic acid (ASC), and total phenolic compounds (TPC) increased as percentages of ASW increased. The salt-primed plants switched from C3 to crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis and accumulated the greatest amounts of proline, ASC, and TPC. In conclusion, higher salinities and salt priming enhance the nutritional quality of M. crystallinum L. but compromises productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
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13 pages, 1430 KiB  
Article
Biochemical Changes and Antioxidant Variations in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Varieties during Flower Induction and Development
by Saeed R. H. A. Al Shamsi, Gabriel A. Rabert, Shyam S. Kurup, Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Alyafei and Abdul Jaleel
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112550 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2530
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out to explore the biochemical changes and antioxidant variations, including non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant variations, in the leaves of different varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) belonging to the early, mid-, and late-flowering categories in the [...] Read more.
The present investigation was carried out to explore the biochemical changes and antioxidant variations, including non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant variations, in the leaves of different varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) belonging to the early, mid-, and late-flowering categories in the United Arab Emirates. The changes in the protein and phenol concentration; the ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, and α-tocopherol contents; and the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were studied in the leaves during the preflowering, flowering, and postflowering stages of the date palms. Two varieties each from the early (Shaham, Khanezi), mid- (Barhee, Nabthasaif), and late- (Khasab, Fardh) flowering types were used in this study. The protein content in the leaves was higher in the early flowering varieties during the preflowering stage but lower in the other two varieties. The phenol content showed an opposite trend to the protein. There was significant variation in the ascorbic acid content and a reduction in glutathione and α-tocopherol between the leaves of different varieties. Similarly, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme ascorbate peroxidase in the leaves was higher during the preflowering stage in all varieties. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and catalase (CAT) activity was highest in the Bharhee leaves for all the stages. The peroxidase activity (POD) was highest in the Fardh variety of date palm, whereas the Khanezi variety exhibited the lowest activity. This study can be used as a baseline for developing more protocols for understanding the possible roles of biochemicals, antioxidants, antioxidant enzymes, and their interactions in the regulation of flower development in different date palm varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
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14 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Advanced Characterization of Hemp Flour (Cannabis sativa L.) from Dacia Secuieni and Zenit Varieties, Compared to Wheat Flour
by Iulian-Eugen Rusu, Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic), Crina Carmen Mureşan, Andruţa Elena Mureşan, Miuţa Rafila Filip, Bogdan-Mihai Onica, Kádár Balázs Csaba, Ersilia Alexa, Lidia Szanto and Sevastiţa Muste
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061237 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3710
Abstract
The advanced characterization of flour from hemp seeds (edible fruits of Cannabis sativa L.) from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties, compared to wheat flour, was studied in this research. The aim was to present the characterization of 2 varieties, out of the [...] Read more.
The advanced characterization of flour from hemp seeds (edible fruits of Cannabis sativa L.) from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties, compared to wheat flour, was studied in this research. The aim was to present the characterization of 2 varieties, out of the 70 accepted in Europe, for human consumption. The varieties selected from hemp meet the THC level requirement (0.3 or 0.2% of the dry weight of the reproductive part of the female flowering plant) in seeds. Hemp flour was obtained by grinding. The flour samples were evaluated for physicochemical parameters (moisture, crude protein, lipids, ash, crude fiber), the content of micro and macro elements, fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The total proteins in hemp flour are found in larger quantities by over 35% compared to wheat flour, and the lipids reach the threshold of 28%. The amount of mineral substances exceeds 3% in hemp flour, and the fibers exceed 26%, compared to 0.61% for wheat flour. The predominant mineral substances were K, Ca, Mg, p, Fe, and Mn. The predominant fatty acids were the unsaturated ones, predominantly being linoleic acid, followed by oleic and gamma-linoleic acid. In the case of amino acids, the highest amount is found in glutamic acid for hemp flours. As for carbohydrates, sucrose is found in the largest amount, followed by glucose and fructose. In conclusion, hemp flours have superior non-traditional characteristics to wheat flour, being a potential raw material for fortifying food or using them as such, having beneficial effects of consumption on the proper functioning of the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
17 pages, 4048 KiB  
Article
Can Foliar Pulverization with CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 Trigger Ca Enrichment in Solanum tuberosum L. Tubers?
by Ana Rita F. Coelho, Fernando C. Lidon, Cláudia Campos Pessoa, Ana Coelho Marques, Inês Carmo Luís, João Caleiro, Manuela Simões, José Kullberg, Paulo Legoinha, Maria Brito, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitão, Carlos Galhano, Paula Scotti-Campos, José N. Semedo, Maria Manuela Silva, Isabel P. Pais, Maria J. Silva, Ana P. Rodrigues, Maria F. Pessoa, José C. Ramalho and Fernando H. Reboredoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Plants 2021, 10(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020245 - 27 Jan 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3236
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficiency of Ca enrichment in tubers of three genotypes of Solanum tuberosum L., through foliar spraying with CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 solutions. In this context, soil heterogeneity of three potato-growing fields, as well as [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the efficiency of Ca enrichment in tubers of three genotypes of Solanum tuberosum L., through foliar spraying with CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 solutions. In this context, soil heterogeneity of three potato-growing fields, as well as the implications of Ca accumulation among tissues and some quality parameters were assessed. Three potato varieties (Agria, Picasso and Rossi) were grown in three production fields and during the life cycle, four pulverizations with calcium chloride (3 and 6 kg ha−1) or calcium nitrate (0.5, 2 and 4 kg ha−1) were applied. For screening the potential phytotoxicity, using Agria as a test system, the potential synthesis of photoassimilates was determined, and it was found that after the 3rd Ca application, leaf gas exchanges were moderately (net photosynthesis), to strongly (stomatal conductance) affected, although without impact on Ca accumulation in tubers. At harvest, the average Ca biofortification index varied between 5–40%, 40–35% and 4.3–13% in Agria, Picasso and Rossi, respectively. Moreover, the equatorial region of the tubers in general showed that Ca accumulation prevailed in the epidermis and, in some cases, in inner areas of the potato tubers. Biofortified tubers with Ca also showed some significant changes in total soluble solids and colorimetric parameters. It is concluded that Ca enrichment of potato tubers through foliar spraying complemented the xylem mass flow of Ca from roots, through phloem redistribution. Both fertilizers showed similar efficiency, but Rossi revealed a lower index of Ca accumulation, eventually due to different metabolic characteristics. Although affected by Ca enrichment, potato tubers maintained a high quality for industrial processing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
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12 pages, 3223 KiB  
Article
Quantification and Tissue Localization of Selenium in Rice (Oryza sativa L., Poaceae) Grains: A Perspective of Agronomic Biofortification
by Ana Coelho Marques, Fernando C. Lidon, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Cláudia Campos Pessoa, Inês Carmo Luís, Paula Scotti-Campos, Manuela Simões, Ana Sofia Almeida, Paulo Legoinha, Maria Fernanda Pessoa, Carlos Galhano, Mauro A. M. Guerra, Roberta G. Leitão, José C. Ramalho, José Manuel N. Semedo, Ana Bagulho, José Moreira, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Paula Marques, Cátia Silva, Ana Ribeiro-Barros, Maria José Silva, Maria Manuela Silva, Karliana Oliveira, David Ferreira, Isabel P. Pais and Fernando Henrique Reboredoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Plants 2020, 9(12), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121670 - 28 Nov 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4145
Abstract
In worldwide production, rice is the second-most-grown crop. It is considered a staple food for many populations and, if naturally enriched in Se, has a huge potential to reduce nutrient deficiencies in foodstuff for human consumption. This study aimed to develop an agronomic [...] Read more.
In worldwide production, rice is the second-most-grown crop. It is considered a staple food for many populations and, if naturally enriched in Se, has a huge potential to reduce nutrient deficiencies in foodstuff for human consumption. This study aimed to develop an agronomic itinerary for Se biofortification of Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae) and assess potential physicochemical deviations. Trials were implemented in rice paddy field with known soil and water characteristics and two genotypes resulting from genetic breeding (OP1505 and OP1509) were selected for evaluation. Plants were sprayed at booting, anthesis and milky grain phases with two different foliar fertilizers (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 g Se·ha−1). After grain harvesting, the application of selenate showed 4.9–7.1 fold increases, whereas selenite increased 5.9–8.4-fold in OP1509 and OP1505, respectively. In brown grain, it was found that in the highest treatment selenate or selenite triggered much higher Se accumulation in OP1505 relatively to OP1509, and that no relevant variation was found with selenate or selenite spraying in each genotype. Total protein increased exponentially in OP1505 genotype when selenite was applied, and higher dosage of Se also increased grain weight and total protein content. It was concluded that, through agronomic biofortification, rice grain can be enriched with Se without impairing its quality, thus highlighting its value in general for the industry and consumers with special needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Plants)
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