Argentine Garlic and Onion Germplasm Characterization by their Health-Benefits. II. Garlic Agronomic, Biochemical and Antiplatelet Variability.

GONZÁLEZ, R; INSANI, M.; IRIBARNE, M.; SALOMÓN, V.M.; SANCE, M; SOTO; CAMARGO, A. B.; GALMARINI, C.R.

ACTA HORTICULTURAE

ISHS

Lugar: Holanda; Año: 2008

0567-7572

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) are the main vegetable crops exported by Argentina. More than 90% of the cultivars that are cropped in the country were originated by breeding programs carried out by INTA. One of the main goals of these programs is the diversification of the cultivar offer. One way to do this is taking advantage of the condition of functional food of both vegetables. This project has a multidisciplinary approach where breeders, agronomists, geneticists, physicians, biochemists, nutritionists and food science experts work together. Nine cultivars: ‘Nieve INTA’, ‘Perla INTA’, ‘Union’, ‘Castaño INTA’, ‘Fuego INTA’, ‘Sureño INTA’, ‘Norteño INTA’, ‘Gostoso INTA’ and ‘Morado INTA’ were evaluated during two years at EEA La Consulta INTA, Mendoza using a complete randomized design. Yield, bulb quality, post-harvest behavior, soluble solids, dry-matter content, pungency, polyphenols and organosulfurs composition were evaluated. Also in vitro antiplatelet activity was measured using whole blood electrical impedance aggregometry. There were significant differences for all the variables studied that will allow the selection of cultivars with health-benefit added value. ‘Perla INTA’ had the highest bulb organosulfur concentration and pungency. Soluble solids and dry matter content of ‘Castaño INTA’ were significantly higher than the other cultivars. ‘Nieve INTA’ presented the highest inhibitory effect over platelet activity and also the highest level of total phenols. On the other hand, ‘Sureño INTA’ showed the highest values of Quercetin, and Kaempherol.