Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Effect of nitrogen fertilization on ascorbic acid, glucoraphanin content and quinone reductase activity in broccoli floret and stem

Author(s):

Chao-Jiong Xu, Rong-Fang Guo, Hui-Zhuan Yan, Jing Yuan, Bo Sun, Gao-Feng Yuan, Qiao-Mei Wang ^*

Recieved Date: 2009-09-16, Accepted Date: 2009-12-30

Abstract:

The effect of five levels of nitrogen fertilization (N 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha^-1) on head size, shelf life, concentrations of ascorbic acid, glucoraphanin and quinone reductase (QR) activity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) was investigated in two broccoli cultivars, Youxiu and Lvling. The results showed that both the average weight and diameter of main head were significantly increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilization in both cultivars. However, the ascorbic acid and glucoraphanin concentrations in broccoli floret and stem were decreased with the increase in nitrogen application, and significant lower levels of ascorbic acid were detected by nitrogen fertilization at range of N 300-400 kg ha^-1. The nitrogen fertilization at N 400 kg ha ^-1 also significantly reduced the shelf life of broccoli as well as glucoraphanin concentration in broccoli floret and stem. The QR activity in broccoli floret and stem supplied with different nitrogen paralleled their glucoraphanin concentrations. In conclusion, moderate nitrogen fertilization rate (N 200-300 kg ha^-1) could significantly increase the head size and maintain the storage life, glucoraphanin concentration and QR activity.

Keywords:

Nitrogen fertilization, glucoraphanin, quinone reductase activity, glucosinolate, head size, shelf life

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2010
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 179-184

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