Effects of cultivar and developmental stage on glucosinolates in garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.)

Glucosinolates associated with health promoting properties were investigated in two commercial garden cress cultivars (Dadas and Bahar) at optimum harvest time (1) and at the onset of flowering period (2). Results of glucosinolate analysis revealed that the predominant glucosinolate synthesized was glucotropaeolin of the benzyl group. The glucotropaeolin content varied between 1.79 to 4.57 mu molg(-1) DW according to the cultivar and developmental stage of the plants. The highest content was found in cv. Dadas at the optimum harvest time. Mean glucotropaeolin content was slightly lower in samples collected at the onset of the flowering period compared to the optimum harvest time in both cultivars (P>0.05). The current study revealed for the first time the glucosinolate profile and content of two garden cress cultivars of Turkey, distinct from each other with their morphological features, at two different developmental stages.