Glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. italica) as conditioned by sulphate supply during germination

J Food Sci. 2010 Oct;75(8):C673-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01811.x. Epub 2010 Sep 24.

Abstract

Sulphur (S) fertilization is essential for primary and secondary metabolism in cruciferous foods. Deficient, suboptimal, or excessive S affects the growth and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in adult plants. Nevertheless, there is little information regarding the influence of S fertilization on sprouts and seedlings. An experiment was set up to evaluate the effect of S fertilization, supplied as K(2)SO(4) at 0, 15, 30, and 60 mg/L, on the glucosinolate content of broccoli sprouts during the germination course of 3, 6, 9, and 12 d after sowing. Glucosinolate concentration was strongly influenced by germination, causing a rapid increase during the first 3 d after sowing, and decreasing afterwards. The S supply increased aliphatic and total glucosinolate content at the end of the monitored sprouting period. S-treated sprouts, with S(15), S(30), and S(60) at 9 and 12 d after sowing presented enhanced glucosinolate content. Overall, both germination time and S fertilization were key factors in maximizing the bioactive health-promoting phytochemicals of broccoli. Practical Application: Germination with sulphate is a simple and inexpensive way to obtain sprouts that contain much higher levels of glucosinolates (health promoting compounds), than the corresponding florets from the same seeds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica / growth & development
  • Brassica / metabolism*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / metabolism
  • Fertilizers*
  • Germination*
  • Glucosinolates / metabolism*
  • Hydroponics / methods
  • Indoles / metabolism
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Plant Shoots / growth & development
  • Plant Shoots / metabolism
  • Seedlings / growth & development
  • Seedlings / metabolism*
  • Seeds / growth & development
  • Seeds / metabolism
  • Sulfates / administration & dosage
  • Sulfates / metabolism*

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Fertilizers
  • Glucosinolates
  • Indoles
  • Sulfates
  • potassium sulfate