Impact of Genetic Factor and Geographical Location on Allicin Content of Garlic (Allium sativum) Germplasm from Egypt and China.

This study was conducted to explore the genetic variation of allicin content among Chinese and Egyptian garlic germplasm, the role of genetic improvement in allicin content enhancement and the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors on allicin contents in Egyptian garlic germplasm grown in Egypt and China respectively. Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was used for quantification of allicin in garlic bulbs. As the result of cluster analysis based on allicin content, all garlic germplasm (104 accessions) were divided into four groups. The germplasms with the highest allicin content presented in group A, comprising only two germplasm (one from Egypt and the other from China). The far distance among accessions in the cluster tree revealed the diversity in the garlic germplasm, which can selectively be used in garlic breeding programs for quality improvement. Clones selected were found to be different from their parents and had higher allicin content, which proves that clone selection is an effective way for garlic genetic improvement. Statistical analysis showed that the effects of germplasm, geographical location and interaction between germplasm and geographical location on the allicin content (P<0.001) in Egyptian garlic germplasm were highly significant. All Egyptian garlic germplasm grown in China had lower allicin content than those grown in Egypt. Allicin content reduction in same germplasms between two locations was 16~63.7%. It is clarified that production area selection for garlic allicin processing industry is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]