Changes of S-alk(en)ylcysteine sulfoxide levels during the growth of different garlic morphotypes

Abstract

The contents of three S-alk(en)ylcysteine sulfoxides (alliin, methiin, and isoalliin) were determined in the leaves, pseudostems, and bulbs of six garlic genotypes (two flowering plant morphotypes, two semi bolters, and two scape absent morphotypes) cultivated for five consecutive years at the same location. The average levels of alliin, methiin, and isoalliin were found to be as follows: 1.92, 0.44, and 0.07 mg/g fw in the leaves, 1.57, 0.27, and 0.08 mg/g fw in the pseudostems, and 1.71, 0.20 and 0.13 mg/g fw in the bulbs, respectively. No statistically significant year-to-year differences were observed between the samples. Furthermore, the total contents and relative proportions of S-alk(en)ylcysteine sulfoxides in various parts of the plants (leaves, pseudostems, bulbs and roots) were evaluated in detail during the whole vegetation period. It was observed that the total content of these amino acids gradually decreased in all parts except for the bulbs. In the bulbs, the total content initially decreased after planting but significantly increased in June and culminated before harvest. Analogous trends were also observed for alliin and methiin concentrations. On the other hand, isoalliin levels steadily decreased during the whole vegetation period in all parts of the plants.