Influence of salinity on aliphatic and indole glucosinolates in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) synthesizes sulphur containing plant secondary metabolites known as glucosinolates that are often associated with bioactive properties upon hydrolysis. Glucosinolates are part of plant defence system and the glucosinolate content in plants is usually influenced by several factors including the genetic background of plants, developmental stage, environmental factors and soil conditions. The evaluation of factors affecting glucosinolate content in plants is important to obtain plants with improved bioactive properties. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of NaCl (0, 40, 80, 100mM) on aliphatic and indole glucosinolate content of broccoli grown in greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, broccoli seedlings at 5-6 leaf were irrigated with 0 (control), 40mM, 80mM and 100mM NaCl. Glucosinolates were determined at three different time points (1, 3, 6 days upon treatment). According to the findings, the amount of individual and total aliphatics and indoles were lower at 40, 80 and 100mM NaCl applications compared to control plants determined at three different time points (P<0.001) suggesting the break down of glucosinolates due to stress conditions. The findings of the study revealed the glucosinolate profile and content of broccoli seedlings under saline conditions.