Vol. 85 No: 2

Title:
Growth and ajoene concentrations in garlic plants cultured hydroponically with different aeration regimes

Authors:
M.T. NAZNIN, Y. KITAYA, T. SHIBUYA and H. HIRAI

pp: 161-165

Abstract:
A hydroponic culture system was developed for producing garlic bulbs and roots containing a precursor of ajoene. Garlic plants were cultured in a growth chamber under artificial lighting for 2 months at air temperatures of 25º/21ºC (light/dark), relative humidities of 75%/90% (light/dark), a photosynthetic photon flux density of 450 μmol m^-2 s^-1, and a photoperiod of 12 h d^-1. The growth and ajoene concentrations of garlic plants cultured hydroponically with different aeration regimes were compared in order to examine the effects of dissolved O₂ levels on these parameters. The four aeration treatments included 12 h dark-time aeration (12 h-D), 12 h illuminated-time aeration (12 h-L), 24 h continuous aeration (24 h) using a pump, or no aeration (control). Dissolved O₂ concentrations increased in the order: 24 h >12 h-L >12 h-D > control. Fresh weights (FW), dry weights (DW), and ajoene concentrations were increased in each part of the garlic plants by increasing the levels of dissolved O₂. The FWs of bulbs, leaves, and roots in the 24 h aeration treatment were 27.7, 41.4, and 80.3 g per plant, respectively. These values were 4.3-, 2.0-, and 5.6-times higher, respectively, than those in the controls. The ajoene contents of bulbs, leaves, and roots were 18.7, 6.7, and 14.6 mg per plant, respectively, in the 24 h treatment, which were 6.4-, 5.2-, and 11.2-times higher, respectively, than those in the controls. In conclusion, garlic plants grown at higher levels of dissolved O₂ showed higher growth rates and greater ajoene contents. The roots of garlic plants cultured hydroponically contained ajoene, and were expected to be a healthy food, as are the bulbs.

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