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Conference paper2016Peer reviewed

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) produced under greenhouse conditions (Beta vulgaris) produced under greenhouse conditions - effects of water content in the growing media on the content of bioactive compounds and the microbiology of the leaf surface

Mogren, Lars; Alam, Mehboob; Alsanius, Beatrix; Boqvist, Sofia; Vågsholm, Ivar

Abstract

Moderate drought stress was applied during growth of baby leaf Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) and known concentrations of the human pathogenes E. coli and L. monocytogenes applied at the last irrigation event before harvest. The content of ascorbic acid in the leaves and the survival/growth of bacteria on the leaf surface was studied. A small increase in ascorbic acid could be noted in the drought stressed leaves on a fresh weight basis, but it was absent on a dry weight basis. No significant effect on either of the two bacteria could be found between the treatments. The conclusion is that drought stress will decrease the yield while not improving the food safety or the healthiness of Swiss chard baby leaves.

Keywords

food safety; E. coli O157:H7; Listeria monocytogenes; ascorbic acid

Published in

Acta Horticulturae
2016, Volume: 1120, pages: 381-384
Title: Proceedings of the International Symposia on Postharvest Knowledge for the Future and Consumer and Sensory Driven Improvements to Fruits and Nuts
ISBN: 978-94-62611-18-4
Publisher: INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

Conference

29th International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture - Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC) / International Symposia on Postharvest Knowledge for the Future and Consumer and Sensory Driven Improvements to Fruits and Nuts