Resumen

DIAZ-MENDEZ, Héctor Armando et al. Potassium in the nutraceutical quality of hydroponic cucumber fruits. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2018, vol.9, n.spe20, pp.4245-4250. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v0i20.994.

The increase in the concentration of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties in horticultural crops is an agronomic practice that has recently become important because the consumption of bioactive antioxidant compounds is related to the reduction and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of potassium concentration (7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 mM) in the nutrient solution on the nutraceutical content of cucumber fruits developed under hydroponic conditions. The nutraceutical quality of the fruit was determined by the content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity in vitro. The best nutraceutical quality in cucumber fruits was obtained with the highest dose of potassium in the nutrient solution. The nutraceutical quality of hydroponic cucumber fruits is feasible to be improved by increasing the amount of potassium provided in the nutrient solution. This agronomic practice represents an alternative to increase the phytochemical content and nutraceutical quality of cucumber fruits.

Palabras llave : Cucumis sativus L.; phytochemical compounds; nutritive solutions.