Phytochemicals of Brassicaceae in plant protection and human health - influences of climate, environment and agronomic practice

M. Björkman, I. Klingen, A.N.E. Birch, A.M. Bones, T. Bruce, T. Johansen, R. Meadow, J. Mølmann, R. Seljåsen, L.E. Smart, D. Stewart

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    322 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this review, we provide an overview of the role of glucosinolates and other phytochemical compounds present in the Brassicaceae in relation to plant protection and human health. Current knowledge of the factors that influence phytochemical content and profile in the Brassicaceae is also summarized and multi-factorial approaches are briefly discussed. Variation in agronomic conditions (plant species, cultivar, developmental stage, plant organ, plant competition, fertilization, pH), season, climatic factors, water availability, light (intensity, quality, duration) and CO2 are known to significantly affect content and profile of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals such as the glucosinolates and leaf surface waxes play an important role in interactions with pests and pathogens. Factors that affect production of phytochemicals are important when designing plant protection strategies that exploit these compounds to minimize crop damage caused by plant pests and pathogens. Brassicaceous plants are consumed increasingly for possible health benefits, for example, glucosinolate-derived effects on degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, factors influencing phytochemical content and profile in the production of brassicaceous plants are worth considering both for plant and human health. Even though it is known that factors that influence phytochemical content and profile may interact, studies of plant compounds were, until recently, restricted by methods allowing only a reductionistic approach. It is now possible to design multi-factorial experiments that simulate their combined effects. This will provide important information to ecologists, plant breeders and agronomists.
    © Elsevier
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)538-556
    Number of pages19
    JournalPhytochemistry
    Volume72
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2011

    Keywords

    • carotenoids
    • environmental factors
    • epicuticular waxes
    • glucosinolates
    • human health
    • integrated pest management
    • polyphenolics
    • secondary metabolites
    • tocopherols

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