Colorimetric, chemical, and genetic characterization of purple garlic in two producing regions in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this work was to compare the purple garlic cultivated in the Planalto Catarinense region with the one in Midwestern/ Southeastern region of Brazil, concerning colorimetric and chemical aspects, as well as genetic patterns. The color of the bulbils was determined through colorimetric analysis, the volatile compounds were characterized by solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography, and the genetic diversity was analyzed using microsatellite markers. Garlic bulbs grown in the Planalto Catarinense region have a more intense purplish color. The samples from the Midwestern/Southeastern region present a significantly lower concentration of volatile compounds. There is no consistent genetic difference between samples from the Planalto Catarinense and Midwestern/Southeastern regions. The purple garlic from each cultivation region has singularities, mainly due to the farmers’ management method and edaphoclimatic factors. The uniqueness presented through the colorimetric and chemical analyses fulfills the basic requirements that are necessary for the Geographical Indication of these products.

Keywords

• Allium sativum
• geographical variation
• genetic diversity
• microsatellite markers