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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Effect of northern climate and postharvest conditions on health related properties of selected Brassica vegetables in Norway

Awarded: NOK 11.3 mill.

Project Number:

185017

Project Period:

2008 - 2014

Funding received from:

Partner countries:

Some previous studies have shown that certain vegetables grown at high northern latitudes with cool summers, long photoperiods and special solar radiation develop different quality than vegetables grown in the south. However, very little is known about ho w Brassica vegetables respond to different climatic conditions in a north-south gradient. In a world with a growing population and shortage of arable lands, it is important to utilise also cold regions for horticulture. This project will investigate the e ffects of preharvest light and temperature in a northern climate on quality and bioactivity of health promoting substances of Brassica vegetables, primarily for broccoli with kale and wild cabbage as references. The preharvest quality produced in various climates will be monitored in postharvest experiments with light and temperature relevant to the commercial distribution of vegetables. The focus will be effects on health and flavour related constituents, i.e. phenolics, glucosinolates, carotenoids, vita min C, fatty acids and sugars. Descriptive sensory analysis by a trained panel will be carried out, and a consumer preference test will be run on the samples with the most divergent sensory attributes. In addition, differences in bioactivity will be explo ited using different in vitro antioxidant capacity assays and cell cultures. To gain knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of quality change, biotechnological methods will be used to pinpoint up- and down regulation of gene expression and enzymes in the p roduct upon selected treatments. The integrated approach, including the whole value chain, support from two main commercial distributors and participation of all the three main Norwegian institutions for research on cultivated plants, is unique. In additi on, high-rating research institutes in USA and UK will be involved. The project supports the aims of the research council strategy for the Northern areas (forskning.nord).

Publications from Cristin

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Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram