Parameters for discrimination between organic and conventional production: A case study for chicory plants (Cichorium intybus L.). (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinkovič, Lovro; Nečemer, Marijan; Ogrinc, Nives; Žnidarčič, Dragan; Stopar, David; Vidrih, Rajko; Meglič, Vladimir
• Is Part Of: Food and chemical toxicology. Volume 136(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Bioactive compounds -- Fertility management -- Isotopic signature -- Multi-elemental profile -- Nitrogen assimilation; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Food poisoning -- Periodicals; Food Poisoning -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicologie -- Périodiques; Intoxications alimentaires -- Périodiques; Food poisoning; Toxicology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.111109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6915

Abstract

Abstract: Organic crop production has become a highly attractive way of production over the world and thus the need for robust analytical techniques for their authentication. The main aim of this study is to identify appropriate biomarkers to discriminate between organic and conventionally grown chicory. Chicory is an appreciated leafy vegetable among producers and consumers, especially due to its undemanding cultivation and content of bioactive substances. Six different fertility management practices (control, two organic, two mineral, and a combination of organic and mineral fertilizers) were used to produce five chicory cultivars in a glasshouse pot experiment. Analysis of bioactive compounds, nitrogen assimilation, multi-elemental profiling and stable isotope ratio determination of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) were performed to differentiate between organic and conventional production. In this study, nitrogen isotopes are found to be an excellent way of identifying organically produced chicory of a different variety with the highest δ 15 N values. Conversely, the same samples had the lowest δ 34 S values indicating that also stable isotopes of S could be used as a marker for the authentication of organic production. Highlights: Five chicory cultivars were grown in a pot experiment. Six different fertility management practices were applied. Differences in bioactive compounds content and nitrogen assimilation were evaluated. Multi-elemental profiling and stable isotope ratios of light elements were studied. Parameters to discriminate organic and conventionally grown chicory were identified.