Abstract
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale L.), a cruciferous vegetable, is ranked as a superfood among vegetables and fruits due to the high level of micro/macro elements, vitamins, and phytochemicals that led to an increase in its consumption in the human diet. In the present study, eleven wild N. officinale populations (NOP1-NOP11) collected from different locations in Iran were evaluated regarding agro-morphological, nutritional values, and biological activity. A significant variation in phenotypic and phytonutrient traits was observed among the studied populations. Pahneh Kola (NOP(8)) exhibited the most significant values in terms of plant height (12.33 cm), number of nodes (12.00), root length (28.57 cm), and dry weight (0.96 g), indicating a strong performance in these growth parameters. The concentrations of vitamins B(3) and B(6) varied among the studied populations ranging from 0.25 µg/ml to 6.25 µg/ml and 1.9527 to 44.58 µg/ml, respectively. The highest chicoric and ferulic acids content was measured in Pahneh Kola (NOP(8)) (4.33 mg/g DW) and Kharajgil (NOP(5)) (7.16 mg/g DW), respectively. The outstanding antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was observed among populations, especially for Kharajgil (NOP(5)). The plant extracts showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values ranging from 16 to 64 mg/ml. This research was conducted to characterize diversity and select promising wild populations for cultivation. The observed diversity constructs the basis of future exploitation and breeding programs of this valuable vegetable.