The Eliciting Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum Algae on the Cultivation of Arugula ( Eruca sativa Mill.) Microgreens

Barbara Drygaś (), Tomasz Piechowiak, Maciej Balawejder, Natalia Matłok, Joanna Kreczko and Czesław Puchalski
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Barbara Drygaś: Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, University of Rzeszow, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Tomasz Piechowiak: Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, University of Rzeszow, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Maciej Balawejder: Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, University of Rzeszow, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Natalia Matłok: Department of Food and Agriculture Production Engineering, University of Rzeszow, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
Joanna Kreczko: Utrica Technologies Sp. z o.o., ul. Stanisława Lema 4A/1, 80-126 Gdańsk, Poland
Czesław Puchalski: Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, University of Rzeszow, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens.

Keywords: Ascophyllum nodosum alga; bioactive compounds; microgreens; antioxidant activity; Eruca sativa; biostimulants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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