Bio-physical, physiological, and nutritional aspects of ready-to-use cima di rapa (Brassica rapa L. subsp sylvestris L. Janch. var. esculenta Hort.) as affected by conventional and organic growing systems and storage time

摘要

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the conventional and organic farming on the bio-physical, physiological and some nutritional aspects of ready-to-use Riccia di San Marzano' and 'Cima grande' cima di rapa genotypes, at harvest (T-0) and after 7 (T-7) and 14 (T-14) days of cold storage. At harvest, the organic product-had better overall appearance, higher chlorophyll and beta-carotene concentrations and lower glucosinolate levels compared with the conventionally grown product. During the storage period the weight loss was lower in the organic product likely due to reduced respiration activity, particularly in 'Riccia di San Marzano'. The lower respiratory rate of the organic sprouts could had been involved in a better color retention during the shorter storage time, however after 14 days they showed a sharper loss of visual quality and, in particular, the development of off-odors. These differences were probably due to a higher N:S ratio in plant nutrition under the organic cultivation system.