STUDY OF SELENIUM AND GERMANIUM TREATMENT ON THEIR ACCUMULATION TRAITS AND INDUCED ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN ‘SEOUL’ LETTUCE IN HYDROPONICS

We have set up the production system for functional vegetables containing selenium (Se) and germanium (Ge) elements and also, evaluated those elements contents and induced antioxidant capacity in vegetables.
Se and Ge showed linear accumulation tendencies in lettuce in proportion to the increase of Na₂SeO₄ and GeO₂ concentration in the nutrient solution.
Comparing the Se and Ge accumulated concentrations, Se preferentially accumulated in newly developed leaves, but Ge in roots and older leaves.
Se-accumulated lettuce showed high total antioxidant capacity (Trolox equivalents) as compared to Ge-treated and non-treated control lettuce plant.
Proper concentrations of Se and Ge in nutrient solution for lettuce plants were revealed at 2 ppm Na₂SeO₄ and 2 ppm GeO₂ for 7 days.
Those contents could meet the suitable levels for human consumption, guided by the national Research Council (NRC, U.S.A.).

International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics

G.P. Lee, K.W. Park

Na₂SeO₄, GeO₂, Lactuca sativa L., antioxidant, vitamin C, nitrate, photosynthesis

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.548.58