Field studies: Horizontal transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
In the first stage of the study “Transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from weeds to soil and medicinal plants” by the Institute of Environmental Solutions, it was found that the transfer of these toxic plant metabolites takes place from weeds synthesizing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) to the green part of crops: leaves and stems, but no transfer to flowers or seeds was observed.
In this year of research, to confirm or deny these results, field experiments were carried out under organic farming conditions. This stage of the study will last for two years.
The results of previous studies show that plants that do not synthesize PA themselves are able to absorb them through the soil, where they end up as a result of the self-defense of PA-synthesizing plants from the attack of pests in the soil, or as a result of composting of these plants, but such horizontal transfer of substances in field conditions has not been studied in detail.
In the first stage of the study, in order to obtain accurate data on PA accumulation in plants, VRI researchers conducted controlled experiments by growing plants in pots in outdoor conditions.
In the further course of the study, the horizontal transfer of PA from weeds to leafy crops such as parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and dill (Anethum graveolens) are evaluated under field conditions.
This is an interdisciplinary project with an emphasis on agricultural science, as such information is essential for the agricultural industry to assess the additional risks involved in growing aromatic and medicinal plants that produce leaves and stems.
The European Herb Growers Association (EUROPAM) has shown a great interest in the progress of the research, in whose general assembly the results of the research obtained so far were presented, as well as the trial fields set up within it were shown. The main goals of the association are to improve the safety and quality of herbs and medicinal plants in accordance with the principles of sustainable farming, as well as to influence the direction of legislative changes at the European level.
The importance of the study is enhanced by the fact that PAs are toxic compounds, their presence in food products is strictly limited by the European Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2023/915, thus the accumulation of these toxic compounds in crops is a burden for farmers and the entire economic sector as a whole. Further research evaluates the situation of field contamination of continuously growing crops from alkaloid-synthesizing weeds, such as groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.), as a result of which it will be possible to evaluate the future strategy to limit PA transfer and ensure safe agricultural production.
During herb harvesting stage, samples of parsley and dill, as well as PA donor plants and soil were collected for further PA analysis.
IES also actively involves students in its scientific research, promoting the growth and development of the Latvian scientific community, the exchange of knowledge between generations, as well as providing the new generation with the opportunity to gain valuable research experience in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and innovative environment.
The research is carried out within the project “Transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from weeds to soil and medicinal plants (No lzp-2022/1-0543)”. The project is funded by the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme of the Latvian Council of Science
More information on the project HERE.
