A preliminary study of the domestication of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. in the Ararat Valley of Armenia

Abstract

Background: Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (sickleweed) holds great potential as a food and medicinal plant. Its bioactive compounds (BAC) offer potential health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Its rich nutritional profile makes it a valuable functional food source. By studying the domestication possibilities of this plant, there is a potential to further enhance its properties without harming the environment and biodiversity. Research into its BAC content can unlock its full potential as a functional food and therapeutic herb.

Objective: To investigate the possibility of domesticating the wild edible plant sickle weed in the Ararat Valley of Armenia in hydroponic and soil conditions. 

Methods: The plants' Vitamin C, β-carotene, and tannin content were determined using a titrimetric method. The total flavonoid and phenol content was quantified using a spectrophotometric method. Total protein content was assessed using the Kjeldahl method.

Results: The study on sickleweed under hydroponics and soil cultivation observed significant differences in biometric parameters such as leaf number, leaf length, and root thickness in June: hydroponic plants had 1.3 times more leaves and thicker roots, whereas soil-grown plants developed leaves that were 3.5 cm longer on average. Hydroponic plants also exhibited significantly higher yields of BAC: 1.5 times more extractives, 1.2 times more flavonoids, 1.5 times more phenols, 1.3 times more tannins, and 1.7 times more protein. However, vitamin C and β-carotene levels remained in the same range for both growing conditions.

Novelty of the Study: This study pioneers the domestication of Falcaria vulgaris in Armenia's Ararat Valley, comparing hydroponic and soil cultivation. Hydroponic methods significantly increased yields of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and protein versus soil cultivation. This research uniquely establishes domestication feasibility and optimizes functional food potential via controlled hydroponics, providing regional growth and biochemical data.

Conclusion: The study confirmed the possibility of domesticating sickle weed in the conditions of the Ararat Valley. Hydroponic cultivation generally provides a higher concentration of specific BAC, which can enhance the plant's medicinal properties as a functional food.

Keywords: sickle weed, hydroponics, soil, flavonoids, total phenols, tannins, protein, vitamin C