engleski

Diversity of biochemical profile of Istrian garlic ecotypes.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is among the most important vegetable crops, used in diet due to its sensory properties and positive health effects. Local producers in Istria (Croatia) have preserved old garlic ecotypes primarily for domestic consumption. Such ecotypes are adapted to specific agro-ecological conditions of Istria and probably have valuable properties that have not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of Istrian garlic ecotypes based on their biochemical profile and to select those of higher biological value. Garlic bulbs were collected from nine locations in Istria and analyzed after two months by chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. Volatile compounds diallyl sulfide, methyl allyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide, methyl allyl trisulfide, and diallyl trisulfide showed less variability among ecotypes, while, conversely, total phenols ranged significantly from 28.5 to 69.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight. Three ecotypes most abundant in phenols also showed the highest antioxidant capacity by FRAP and DPPH assays. Several ecotypes stood out with higher dry matter content indicating their potential for longer storage. It was assumed that the determined variability in composition could be partly attributed to different genotypes and growing conditions. This research will contribute to the preservation of garlic biodiversity in Istria as well as to the establishment of a garlic breeding program. It was assumed that some of the investigated constituents could serve as biological markers of the authenticity of particular garlic ecotypes, useful for their additional valorization and development of protection programs.

garlic

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