Premium
Sodium selenate fertilisation increases selenium accumulation and decreases glucosinolate concentration in rapid‐cycling Brassica oleracea
Author(s) -
Charron Craig S,
Kopsell Dean A,
Randle William M,
Sams Carl E
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.906
Subject(s) - glucoraphanin , glucosinolate , selenium , brassica oleracea , shoot , chemistry , fertilisation , biofortification , zoology , micronutrient , horticulture , food science , botany , brassica , biology , biochemistry , reproductive technology , organic chemistry , gene , embryogenesis
Glucosinolates (GSs) are S‐containing compounds found in Brassica species and whose degradation products may provide protection against cancer. Sulphoraphane, a product of 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS degradation, is a particularly potent inhibitor of anticarcinogenic detoxification enzymes. Selenium also has anticancer properties, and consumption of plants containing Se may be an effective way to increase dietary Se. Since plant uptake of Se and S is competitive, GS synthesis may be affected by Se fertilisation. The objective of this study was to determine how Se fertilisation of rapid‐cycling B oleracea would affect Se and GS concentrations. Plants were grown in hydroponic solutions containing 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 6.0, 7.2 or 9.0 mg l −1 Na 2 SeO 4 . Mineral and glucosinolate concentrations were measured in shoots harvested just before anthesis. Total GSs decreased from 5.84 µmol g −1 (0.0 mg l −1 Na 2 SeO 4 ) to 1.90 µmol g −1 (9.0 mg l −1 Na 2 SeO 4 ). Levels of 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS decreased 90% when Na 2 SeO 4 fertilisation was increased from 0 to 1 mg l −1 , and remained low at higher Na 2 SeO 4 concentrations. Shoot Se concentration was undetectable at 0.0 mg l −1 Na 2 SeO 4 and increased significantly with Na 2 SeO 4 fertilisation. Although B oleracea may not simultaneously deliver high levels of dietary 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS and Se, levels of other GSs with anticarcinogenic benefits may be beneficial even with Se fertilisation. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry