Tag: Plant stress

According to World Wildlife Fund estimates, a staggering 1.1 billion people around the world lack access to water, with water scarcity being a reality for billions more. This widespread issue is underpinned by the concept of water deficit, a fundamental challenge affecting everything from global food security to local ecosystems.

Over 70% of people don't scroll past the first page of Google, so knowing the science behind your food is a great way to satisfy your curiosity and improve your cooking skills. So, why does cucumber feel bitter? The unpleasant flavor is caused by a group of natural compounds called cucurbitacins, which can increase in concentration under specific environmental stressors.

Water stress, primarily caused by drought, is a major abiotic stress factor affecting organisms globally. It triggers a cascade of physiological and biochemical changes in plants to cope with water deficiency, often leading to reduced productivity.

A 2020 study indicates that increased glucosinolate content, caused by factors such as high temperatures, is directly associated with increased bitterness in rocket leaves. Understanding the causes of this bitterness is key to growing and preparing milder, more flavorful greens.