engleski

Diversity of biochemical profile of Istrian garlic ecotypes

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is among the most important vegetable crops, used in diet because of 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 the 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. Volatiles 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. The three ecotypes most abundant in phenols also showed the highest antioxidant activity 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.

Antioxidative activity, bioactive compounds, breeding, DPPH, FRAP, phenolics, garlic (Allium sativum L.)

nije evidentirano