Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Hairy Root-Based Transformation Protocols for Enhanced Efficiency in Brassicaceae
Published on: December 22, 2023
Drought stress modulates secondary metabolites in Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (DC) Alef, var. sabellica L
Alessandra Podda1,2, Susanna Pollastri1, Paola Bartolini1
1Department of Bio and Agri-food, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection - National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
Background:
Consumer preference today is for the consumption of functional food and the reduction of chemical preservatives. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties and health-promoting qualities of plant secondary metabolites are well known. Due to forecasted climate changes and increasing human population, agricultural practices for saving water have become a concern. In the present study, the physiological responses of curly kale Brassica oleracea L. convar. Acephala (DC) var. sabellica to drought stress and the impact of water limitation on the concentration of selected secondary metabolites were investigated under laboratory-controlled conditions.
Results:
Results indicated that drought stress increased the content of trans-2-hexenal, phytol and δ-tocopherol, and decreased chlorophyll content. Moreover, drought stress increased antioxidant capacity and the expression of AOP2, a gene associated with the biosynthesis of aliphatic alkenyl glucosinolates, and of three genes - TGG1, TGGE and PEN2 - encoding for myrosinases, the enzymes involved in glucosinolate breakdown.
Conclusion:
The present study shows that water limitation during the growing phase might be exploited as a sustainable practice for producing curly kale with a high concentration of nutritionally important health-promoting bioactive metabolites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
DC Generator
DC Battery
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Healthcare System
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

