an abiotic uv-b stress on brassicaceae seeds increased their phytochemical content on 7-days sprouts

Purpose: cruciferous sprouts in their early stages of developmentare very suitable foods against degenerative diseases due to theirhigh content of health promoting compounds. the application ofuv-b can act as an elicitor of these compounds. the objective wasto study the effect of a uv-b treatment to different seed varietiesand its remnant effects after germination as sprouts. researchmethod: brassicaceae seeds selected (radish, rocket, whitemustard, and tatsoi) were treated under 20 kj m-2 uv-b 24 h beforesowing, while no uv radiation was used as control (ctrl). after 7days, sprouts were harvested, frozen, and freeze-dried until theirbioactive content was analysed. findings: results showed that uv-benhanced by ~20% the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds insprouts, and hence, their total antioxidant capacity. furthermore,this uv effect was also appreciated after 7 germination days, and itwas increased by ~38% regarding ctrl, especially on rocket andmustard sprouts. in conclusion, an abiotic uv-b stress treatment toseeds can be an interesting tool to improve the bioactivecompounds content of young plants, although the intrinsicmechanisms involved should be further investigated. researchlimitations: the use of these new technologies, such as uv-b, iscostly and must be applied following appropriate safety measures toavoid possible irradiation damage. originality/value: the analysis ofthe remnant effect of the uv-b before seeds sprouting has not beenyet studied and its use could result in a beneficial effect on thegermination and biosynthesis of phytochemicals in young plants.