Total phenolic levels in diverse garlics (Allium sativum L.)

Authors: Volk, Gayle; Caspersen, Ann; STERN, DAVID - FRIENDS OF GARLIC

Submitted to: Garlic Press
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2012
Publication Date: 12/15/2012
Citation: Volk, G.M., Caspersen, A.M., Stern, D. 2012. Total phenolic levels in diverse garlics (Allium sativum L.). Garlic Press. 51: 10-10.

Interpretive Summary: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a specialty crop that is highly responsive to growth environment with respect to bulb size and coloration. Ten genetically diverse garlic cultivars were grown at twelve locations for two consecutive years. Soil characteristics and bulb phenotypic characters including color, size, and elemental composition were evaluated for replicate plots for each variety at each location. Bulbs grown at the northern CO, MN, PA, VT, and WA locations were generally large and marketable. Correlations were found among sites with high organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium and larger bulb circumference and fresh weight. Bulb skin color and intensity was highly dependent upon location and cultivar. The Silverwhite cultivar was consistently white and Ajo rojo, German white, Inchelium, Sakura and Spanish roja were generally white with some faint violet or brown stripes or splotches. In contrast, cultivars Chesnok red, Purple glazer, Red Janice, and Siberian were more likely to have moderate or dark violet stripes, streaks, or splotches, particularly when grown at the northern CO, MN, NV, NY, ON, PA or WA locations. These results can help farmers identify niche regional markets that provide novel products to consumers.

Technical Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a specialty crop that is highly responsive to growth environment with respect to bulb size and coloration. Ten genetically diverse garlic cultivars were grown at twelve locations for two consecutive years. Soil characteristics and bulb phenotypic characters including color, size, and elemental composition were evaluated for replicate plots for each variety at each location. Bulbs grown at the northern CO, MN, PA, VT, and WA locations were generally large and marketable. Correlations were found among sites with high organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium and larger bulb circumference and fresh weight. Bulb skin color and intensity was highly dependent upon location and cultivar. The Silverwhite cultivar was consistently white and Ajo rojo, German white, Inchelium, Sakura and Spanish roja were generally white with some faint violet or brown stripes or splotches. In contrast, cultivars Chesnok red, Purple glazer, Red Janice, and Siberian were more likely to have moderate or dark violet stripes, streaks, or splotches, particularly when grown at the northern CO, MN, NV, NY, ON, PA or WA locations. These results can help farmers identify niche regional markets that provide novel products to consumers.