Survey of 17 elements, including rare earth elements, in chilled and non-chilled cauliflower cultivars

This study investigated if genetic diversity among cauliflower cultivars (white 'Xenia' F-1, green Witaverde' F-1, purple 'Graffiti' F-1, orange 'Sunset' F-1, romanesco 'Cello' F-1) and transplant chilling are reflected in the content of 17 elements in mature curds. Transplants at 40 days after sowing were exposed to 4 degrees C (chilling) and 18 degrees C (control) for 7 days and then planted in the field till harvest maturity. The lowest Ag, Al, Co, and Li contents were found in 'Cello' F-1 cauliflower, which also had the highest Ba and Sr levels. Orange curds of 'Sunset' F-1 were the richest in Al, and high in Li, Sc, and Sn. Chilling applied to the transplants increased Ag, Ba, Co, Sc, Sr, and Tb, and decreased the Y content of mature curds. Transplant chilling can permanently alter plant metabolism, and subsequently may affect the mineral composition of the curds.