Wild edible plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds which are important for the protection of human body. some of them are even vitally important. Most bioactive compounds are antioxidants, which prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and other cronic diseases. In our study, the odorous pig salad (Aposeris foetida (L.) Less.), a wild edible plant, which is well known in Slovenia was used. The aim of the study was to investigate its growth and response to the agricultural production system, from sowing to seedlings development to harvesting. We made an analysis of phytochemicals (chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, α-carotene and β-carotene, tocopherols α, δ and γ and phenolic compounds) and compare the results of the cultivated odorous pig salat with the wild odorous pig salat and some other vegetables. Three production systems were used for plant cultivation: the hydroponic floating system, growing plants in soil in greenhouse and outdoors. In our study the hydroponic floating system showed the best results. The agricultural technologies had a significant impact on the content of bioactive compounds in our plants, while the impact of location of seed origin was not significant. In cultivated plants, a higher content of α-tocpherol, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein and VAZ was confirmed, while in wild Aposeris foetida (L.) Less. a higher content of chlorophyll and β-carotene was found. To summarize, the odorous pig salat is suitable for agricultural production and is an excellent source of beneficial substances in human diet.
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