Elicitation: a new perspective into plant chemo-diversity and functional property

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Sprouts are valuable food sources, with potential for enhanced functionality through phytochemical accumulation.
• Elicitation is a technique to boost phytochemicals in sprouts, impacting sensory qualities and shelf life.

Approach:

• This review summarizes research on using abiotic and biotic elicitors to improve sprout properties.
• Elicitors stimulate secondary metabolite production (e.g., glucosinolates, phenolic compounds) and biological activities (antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic).

Key Points:

• Elicitors increase yields of beneficial secondary metabolites and enhance sprout biological activities.
• They modulate enzyme activities and gene expression related to plant defense mechanisms.
• Elicitors also promote sprout growth by influencing plant growth hormone levels.

Conclusions:

• Elicitation is a promising strategy for producing functional sprouts with enhanced health benefits and growth.
• Further studies are required to elucidate signaling pathways and determine safe elicitor application limits.