Nitrogen Metabolism and Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Vegetables from Organic and Conventional Crops

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the level of selected indicators of nitrogen metabolism in vegetables from organic (organic food store) and conventional (supermarket and local market) crops. Nitrates, total chlorophyll content, and the activity of the nitrate biosynthesis pathway enzymes—nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS)—were determined in the leaves of selected species from different plant families. The research material consisted of dill, carrot, celery, beet, onion, Chinese and white cabbage, and rocket. The nitrate content was within the permissible limits, except for vegetables bought at a local market. In most cases, no significant differences in the level of nitrates between organic and conventional farming were observed. The analyses revealed the highest nitrate content in dill [2.16 mg × g−1] and the lowest in onions [0.06 mg × g−1] from conventional crops. The enzyme activities were related to the level of nitrates. The analysed species differed in phenolic compounds, ascorbate levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TCA). Positive correlations were found between TCA and antioxidants.

Keywords

• nitrates
• nitrate reductase
• glutamine synthetase
• total chlorophyll
• phenolic compounds
• ascorbate