秋水仙素诱导大蒜四倍体的研究

用5种不同浓度的秋水仙素处理大蒜花苞气生鳞茎进行多倍体诱导,发现在固体培养基上接种处理时毒害作用较小,四倍体的诱导率最高能达到66.7%。而液体培养基浸泡处理的毒害作用较大,适宜进行高浓度短时间处理。添加1.5%二甲基亚砜和25℃的温度有利于四倍体大蒜的诱导。细胞水平的证据表明,经过秋水仙素诱导处理得到了大蒜四倍体植株。     

Comparing costs for different conservation strategies of garlic (Allium sativum L.) germplasm in genebanks

The maintenance of plant genetic resources in living plant collections (genebanks) causes costs due to employment of staff, usage of buildings, equipment and consumables. Since this is especially challenging in vegetatively propagated material, studies were performed for the case of garlic, which is one of the major vegetatively maintained crops in the genebank of IPK Gatersleben. Data were recorded to compare various scenarios of the main strategies field maintenance and cryopreservation. A spreadsheet tool was developed to be used for cost assessment and for drawing conclusions concerning the most effective way of maintenance. Field culture is cheaper in the short term, whereas after a break-even point cryopreservation becomes the more efficient storage method in the long term. This break-even point depends on the particular scenario, which is determined by various factors such as field and in vitro multiplication rates of various genotypes, presence of bulbils in a part of the genepool, the sample size of the accessions as well as the number of stored accessions in cryopreservation. The comparative discussion is exemplified for a 1-year field rotation versus cryopreservation using either in vitro plantlets or a combination of bulbils and unripe inflorescence bases as organ sources. For the more expensive use of in vitro plants cryopreservation becomes less costly than field culture only after 13 years, whereas this is the case already after 8–9 years when using a combination of bulbils in winter and inflorescence bases in summer.     

抽薹装置定位钩改进减小蒜薹抽提力提高效率

针对传统抽薹装置抽薹时抽提力较大、抽提效率低问题,该文对抽薹装置的定位钩进行了改进,并制作了钩提抽薹装置。为了解2种抽薹装置的抽薹效果,开展了2种装置(传统抽薹装置和钩提抽薹装置)在不同时段(早上、上午、下午)及降雨条件下对抽提力度、蒜薹及大蒜产量影响的试验。经过对多个指标测定和方差分析,结果表明:采用钩提抽薹装置能降低抽薹拉力,提高抽薹的稳定性和抽薹效率,并且不会造成蒜头产量下降,上午、早上及降雨条件下是抽薹的最佳时期,特别是降雨条件下,薹长和出薹率最高,分别达到47.7 cm和99.7%,蒜薹产量达到5 222.22 kg/hm^2。综合来看,蒜薹抽提的最佳方案:采用钩提抽薹装置,早上和上午进行抽提,如遇降雨条件,尽量进行抽提。研究结果可为蒜农抽薹提供依据,并为蒜薹抽提的机械化研究提供理论基础。     

Carotenoid accumulation and characterization of cDNAs encoding phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase in garlic (Allium sativum)

Phytoene synthase (PSY) and phytoene desaturase (PDS), which catalyze the first and second steps of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, respectively, are key enzymes for the accumulation of carotenoids in many plants. We isolated 2 partial cDNAs encoding PSY (AsPSY-1 and AsPSY-2) and a partial cDNA encoding PDS (AsPDS) from Allium sativum. They shared high sequence identity and conserved motifs with other orthologous genes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to determine the expression levels of AsPSY1, AsPSY2, and AsPDS in the bulbils, scapes, leaves, stems, bulbs, and roots of garlic. High-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that carotenoids were not biosynthesized in the underground organs (roots and bulbs), but were very abundant in the photosynthetic organs (leaves) of A. sativum. A significantly higher amount of β-carotene (73.44 μg·g(-1)) was detected in the leaves of A. sativum than in the other organs.     

硒对大蒜生理特性、含硒量及品质的影响

以金蒜3号为试材,采用盆栽试验,通过叶面喷施不同浓度、不同次数的亚硒酸钠研究了硒对大蒜生理特性、含硒量和品质的影响。结果表明:在生长期4月5日、15日和25日累计喷施1次、2次、3次3个浓度（5、10、15 mg/L）的亚硒酸钠溶液,均不同程度影响大蒜生理特性、含硒量和品质。与对照相比,叶面喷施2次10 mg/L的亚硒酸钠溶液,可显著提高叶片中光合色素含量和光合性能;能显著改善蒜薹和鳞茎品质,单薹鲜质量和单头鲜质量分别提高68.25%和29.00%,可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、维生素C含量分别提高73.05%、104.66%、18.95%和82.01%、51.27%、69.82%;并可有效提高鳞茎中游离氨基酸含量（38.91%）,降低蒜薹中游离氨基酸含量（36.95%）;同时可降低蒜薹和鳞茎中大蒜素含量,但差异不显著。蒜薹和鳞茎硒含量随硒浓度和喷施次数的增加而显著提高,最高可达19.81和23.96 mg/kg,为对照的3.85和4.41倍。综合各因素指标,大蒜以叶面喷施2次10 mg/L的亚硒酸钠为宜。     

适宜的氮硫配施提高基质栽培大蒜鳞茎品质

试验采用蛭石-珍珠岩盆栽方式,研究了不同浓度氮(5、10、20 mmol/L,记作N1、N2、N3)、硫(2、4、8 mmol/L,记作S1、S2、S3)配施条件对大蒜鳞茎品质的影响,并采用隶属函数法对大蒜品质进行综合评价,分析鳞茎品质与氮硫互作水平的响应关系。试验结果表明,氮素、硫素对大蒜主要营养成分含量影响不尽相同,氮硫配施能够不同程度提高大蒜鳞茎中可溶性蛋白、VC、大蒜多糖、游离氨基酸的含量,且氮、硫单一因素对大蒜鳞茎品质影响远低于元素间交互作用。但在氮素适宜水平下(10~20 mmol/L),硫素水平对大蒜鳞茎中大蒜辣素含量有显著影响,提高硫浓度能够显著增加大蒜辣素含量,而在硫素浓度过高时(8 mmol/L)则明显抑制该物质合成。隶属函数法综合评价以N3S2处理组大蒜鳞茎品质最优,隶属函数值为0.81,对照组(CK)最差。综合分析可见,无机基质栽培条件下氮硫配施显著影响大蒜鳞茎品质,氮素浓度20 mmol/L(N3)、硫素浓度4 mmol/L(S2)时最利于大蒜鳞茎品质的提升,为大蒜无机基质栽培最佳氮、硫配施水平,且两元素配施存在明显的互作效应。该结论为大蒜栽培氮、硫元素合理配施提供试验指导。     

The third glume phenotype is associated with rachilla branching in the spikes of tetraploid wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum</Emphasis> L.)

We investigated the new inflorescence architectural character “three glumes” and a new status of ramification in tetraploid wheat. Using 9 tetraploid accessions with “turgidum type of branching”, the segregation of branched spike and the third glume indicated the complete linkage of genes for both phenotypes. The rachilla were elongated and bore florets at basal nodes while bearing spikelets at the apical nodes in T. durum Desf. TRI 9644 and T. turgidum L. PI 67339. The phenotype was different from “sham-ramification” in Triticum jakubzineri Udacz. et Schachm., with florets at basal and apical nodes of elongated spikelet rachilla. We confirmed a new status of ramification, “false-true ramification”. It was considered that the “false-true ramification” was determined by the shr2 gene in the long arm of chromosome 2A because the ramification of PI 67339 and TRI 9644 was supposed to be allelic. The segregation of “sham-ramification” and the third glume also indicated the complete linkage of genes for both phenotypes. Thus we concluded that the presence of third glume phenotype is associated with rachis and rachilla branching in the spikes of tetraploid wheat. The present study confirmed the existence of three distinct types of spike ramification, whose classification is not entirely unified: (a) “true ramification”—“branched spike”—“genuine branching”—“turgidum type of branching”, (b) “false ramification”—“pseudo-branched spike”—“sham ramification”—“vavilovii type of branching” and (c) “false-true ramification”.     

Eucharis Grandiflora Planch. and Linden Development Fertirrigated with Different Osmotic Potentials

Eucharis grandiflora Planch. and Linden is a tropical climate Amaryllidacea, commonly known as lily, which develops a bulbous stem and is considered an indoor ornamental plant for its evergreen foliage and inflorescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vegetative development of the Lily, in response to the treatment with of the Steiner solution at different concentrations. The plants were acclimated under greenhouse conditions and the bulbs selected by a completely randomized design. Plants were treated with various concentrations of the Steiner solution, to develop the following potential osmotic: ?0.018, ?0.036, ?0.054, ?0.072, and 0 Mpal. The production of bulbils, development and leaf area, stomatal density, chlorophyll quantification, and osmotic potentials were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with solutions of ?0.054 and ?0.072 MPa induced a greater vegetative growth, 29.5% more stomata developed, and synthesized 29% more chlorophyll “b” than the control.     

Effect of selenium treatment on mineral nutrition, bulb size, and antioxidant properties of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Foliar selenium (Se) treatment of garlic at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg of Se/mL was carried out in open field conditions in 2008 and 2009 in Estonia. Bulb weight and yield structure, content of total Se, S, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, ascorbic acid content (AAC), pungency, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. The highest level of Se decreased total S, K, and Ca in both years; no negative impact on bulb weight was observed. In 2009 Se10 treatment had significantly more bulbs with the largest diameter compared to the other treatments. In 2008, the AAC was decreased by Se50 and the content of total phenolics by all Se treatments; however, TAC was increased. Foliar Se fertilization of garlic at rates of 10-50 μg of Se/mL can be recommended to increase the number of large bulbs and increase bulb antioxidant capacity.     

Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization on the Alliin Content of Onions and Garlic

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) were among the earliest cultivated crops and have been popular in folk medicine for centuries. Alliins (cysteine sulfoxides) are the characteristic sulfur (S) containing secondary metabolites of Allium species like onions, shallot, garlic, leek and chives and they cause taste and sharpness and are criteria for the pharmaceutical quality. The influence of the S nutritional status on the content of secondary S containing metabolites was shown for different crops such as oilseed rape, mustard, nasturtium, and allium species. It was the aim of this study to investigate the influence of the S and nitrogen (N) supply on the alliin content of onion and garlic and to evaluate the significance for crop quality. In a greenhouse experiment three levels of N and S were applied in factorial combinations of 0, 50, and 250 mg pot^?1 S and 250, 500, and 1000 mg pot^?1 N. 8 plants were grown in a Mitscherlich pot containing 8 kg sand. Leaves and bulbs were sampled twice during the growth period in order to follow up translocation processes. The first sampling was carried out when leaves were developed, but bulb growth had not yet started and the second one during main bulb growth. An increasing S supply was related to an increasing alliin content in leaves and bulbs of both crops, whereas nitrogen fertilization had only a minor influence. The alliin content in bulbs could be doubled by S fertilization. A translocation of alliin from leaves to bulbs was found so that time of harvest has a strong influence on the alliin content. At the beginning of plant development high alliin contents were found in leaves, while with bulb development they were translocated into this plant organ. The results show that the potential health benefits of Allium species could be distinctly improved by S fertilization.     

Relationship between gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and garlic greening, as controlled by temperature

It was established that storage at low temperature (less than 10 degrees C) was required for garlic greening occurring either during processing or in the course of "Laba" garlic preparation while storage at high temperature (higher than 20 degrees C) inhibited its occurrence. However, the reason for this observation is unclear. To obtain insights into a tie connected between storage temperature and garlic greening, it was detected if the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity correlated with garlic greening because the activity of this enzyme is very sensitive to storage temperature. Results showed that garlic puree (which was prepared from fresh garlic) turned green upon addition of GGT but the color of garlic puree remained unchanged when either water or heat-treated GGT (which has no activity due to heat treatment) was used, a result giving a positive answer to the above proposal. Subsequently, to further clarify the relationship between the GGT activity and garlic greening, the GGT activity, the degree of garlic greening, and the concentration of total thiosulfinates in garlic bulbs were determined respectively after the garlic bulbs had been stored at 4 degrees C for up to 59 days followed by storage at 35 degrees C for up to 22 days. It was found that cold storage facilitated the GGT activity whereas warm storage inhibited the activity of this enzyme, just like the effect of storage temperature on greening, indicating that the increase of GGT activity could be a direct factor resulting in garlic greening. Consistent with this conclusion, the concentration of total thiosulfinates (the color developers) in garlic purees likewise exhibited a reversible change by moving garlic bulbs from one low storage temperature to a higher one; namely, it increased with increasing storage time during storage at 4 degrees C while decreasing as storage time increased during storage at 35 degrees C. The present study provided direct evidence that the GGT is involved in garlic greening.     

Effects of garlic powders with varying alliin contents on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats

The anticarcinogenic effect of garlic has been demonstrated in both epidemiologic and experimental studies. In this study, possible mechanisms involved in the anticarcinogenic effect of garlic consumption were assessed by determining its capacity to alter drug metabolizing enzymes, in relation with its alliin content. Rats were fed a diet for 2 weeks containing 5% garlic powders produced from bulbs grown on soils with different levels of sulfate fertilization and therefore containing differing amounts of alliin. Activities of several hepatic enzymes, which are important in carcinogen metabolism such cytochromes P450 (CYP) and phase II enzymes, were determined. Garlic consumption slightly increased ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and CYP 1A2 levels. In contrast, garlic consumption decreased CYP 2E1 activity and the level of the corresponding isoform. UDP glucuronosyl transferase and glutathion S-transferase activities were increased by garlic powders. The alliin content of the garlic powders was positively correlated with UGT activity although not with other activities. Effects produced by garlic consumption were qualitatively similar to that of diallyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that has been extensively studied. These data could partially explain the chemoprotective effect of garlic.     

岩溶区典型根系地下生境的土壤质量分析

选择岩溶区三种不同的典型根系地下生境类型土壤为研究对象(类型Ⅵ——白云岩水平产状多层空间类型、类型Ⅸ——白云岩倾斜产状多层空间类型及类型Ⅺ——白云岩直立产状多层空间类型),根据不同类型的土壤物理、化学及生物学指标,计算土壤肥力的综合指标值,对其土壤质量进行综合分析评价。结果表明:(1)不同植物根系地下生境类型和不同空间土壤层次的土壤指标值差异极显著;(2)不同类型的土壤质量存在差异,且具有明显的层次性,土壤质量表现为白云岩倾斜产状多层空间类型最好,且三种类型的土壤质量均呈现出随土壤深度的增加而逐渐降低的趋势。该文揭示了根系地下生境的土壤质量差异,这为岩溶石漠化区的植被恢复技术研究和治理均有积极的作用。     

Effect of genetic characteristics and environmental factors on organosulfur compounds in garlic ( Allium sativum L.) grown in Andalusia, Spain

The content of organosulfur compounds was determined in selected garlic cultivars grown at four locations in Andalusia, Spain. The organosulfur compounds studied were three γ-glutamyl peptides, namely, γ-l-glutamyl-S-(2-propenyl)-l-cysteine (GSAC), γ-l-glutamyl-S-(trans-1-propenyl)-l-cysteine (GSPC), and γ-l-glutamyl-S-methyl-l-cysteine (GSMC), and four cysteine sulfoxides (alliin, isoalliin, methiin, and cycloalliin). There was a significant effect of the location, cultivar, and garlic ecotype on individual organosulfur compound contents. Purple-type cultivars showed on average the highest contents of GSMC, GSAC, alliin, and methiin but the lowest isoalliin content. The impact of genotype was relatively high for GSAC, whereas this factor hardly contributed to the total variability in alliin and isoalliin content. Planting date had a significant effect on the content of alliin and isoalliin. Discriminant analysis evidenced the ability of organosulfur compounds to distinguish among garlic bulbs from different locations or ecotypes with 81 or 86% accuracy, respectively.     

富硒煤矸石活化技术及煤矸石硒肥高效利用研究

  【目的】  研究固体废矿富硒煤矸石制备硒肥的资源化利用技术。  【方法】  以世界硒都恩施的煤矸石废矿为原料,分别进行了活化剂 (弱碱性物质Na₂CO₃)、活化时间、活化温度和料液比的单因素6水平试验,测定硒活化率,每个因素筛选出3个水平,采用响应面优化方法进行计算,最终确定富硒煤矸石中硒的活化工艺参数。采用IR光谱、TG热重法对煤矸石活化前后官能团键合、热效应进行表征分析。用活化煤矸石硒肥与养殖场粪肥以1∶1、2∶1、3∶1、和4∶1的比例分别混合后发酵一个月,制备4种活化煤矸石硒有机肥 (简称硒有机肥),以煤矸石硒肥和发酵粪肥作两个对照,以大蒜为试材进行了田间试验。收获后测定了土壤和大蒜鳞茎中的总硒、有机硒含量。  【结果】  单因素试验确定的4个因素用于响应面优化的范围,活化剂Na₂CO₃的浓度为10%、20%和30%;活化时间为2.5、3.5、4.5 h;活化温度为75℃、85℃和95℃;料液比 (g/mL) 为1∶5、1∶10、1∶15。经过响应面优化计算,当原料粒径为0.038 mm时,最优工艺条件为活化剂的浓度22%、活化时间3.9 h、料液比1:9 g/mL、活化温度85℃。应用此参数活化的煤矸石固体硒肥pH约为7.6、最大活化效率为81.24%。IR光谱曲线显示,Na₂CO₃的加入破坏了煤矸石中硒与其它的金属、非金属等元素间的弱作用力及网络原子原有的结晶态,使得硒基团解脱束缚,成为活性硒。由TG (thermal gravimetric) 及DTG (derivative thermogravimetry) 曲线可知,煤矸石活化前后的热稳定性有较大变化。活化前样品的DTG曲线出现两个峰,而活化后只在100℃前出现一个峰,且失重情况较活化前弱。因此,活化后的煤矸石硒肥热稳定性更好。活化后煤矸石的硒含量为170.82 mg/kg,制备的4个比例煤矸石硒有机肥的硒含量依次为85.41、113.88、128.05、136.66 mg/kg。在等硒量试验下,5个处理大蒜鳞茎中硒的含量依次为1.033、1.306、1.480、1.382、1.355 μg/g,均显著高于未施硒肥对照组的0.005 μg/g (P < 0.05)。硒肥处理大蒜鳞茎中有机硒比例均在99%以上,高于未施硒肥对照组的60%。硒有机肥处理大蒜吸收硒的效果优于煤矸石硒肥,并以煤矸石固体硒肥与家禽粪2∶1比例混合配置的煤矸石硒有机肥的吸收硒效果最优。  【结论】  Na₂CO₃活化富硒煤矸石的最佳工艺条件为活化剂的体积质量分数22%、活化时间3.9 h、料液比1∶9 g/mL、活化温度85℃。在该条件下,煤矸石中硒的活化率可高达81.24%,且煤矸石硒肥的热稳定性更好。将煤矸石硒肥与畜禽粪混合发酵,可以大大提高大蒜对硒的吸收量,其中有机硒的比例非常高,故有机肥与活化煤矸石硒肥以1∶2比例混合发酵制备煤矸石硒有机肥是活化煤矸石硒的有效方法。     

Analysis of fumonisin B(1) in Fusarium proliferatum-infected asparagus spears and garlic bulbs from Germany by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Fusarium proliferatum is one of a group of fungal species that produce fumonisins and is considered to be a pathogen of many economically important plants. The occurrence of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) in F. proliferatum-infected asparagus spears from Germany was investigated using a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method with isotopically labeled fumonisin FB(1)-d(6) as internal standard. FB(1) was detected in 9 of the 10 samples in amounts ranging from 36.4 to 4513.7 ng/g (based on dry weight). Furthermore, the capability of producing FB(1) by the fungus in garlic bulbs was investigated. Therefore, garlic was cultured in F. proliferatum-contaminated soil, and the bulbs were screened for infection with F. proliferatum and for the occurrence of fumonisins by LC-MS. F. proliferatum was detectable in the garlic tissue, and all samples contained FB(1) (26.0-94.6 ng/g). This is the first report of the natural occurrence of FB(1) in German asparagus spears, and these findings suggest a potential for natural contamination of garlic bulbs with fumonisins.     

大蒜果秧分离试验装置的设计与测试

为提高大蒜联合收获果秧分离作业性能,解决果秧分离过程中留茎长、伤损率高等问题,该文研制了一种大蒜联合收获果秧分离试验装置,该试验装置由夹持输送装置、排序-对齐装置、切割装置、机架等组成,能够完成大蒜的夹持、排序、对齐、切割分离等工序的作业。并进行了大蒜果秧分离试验台作业参数优选试验,得出最优组合参数为夹持高度190 mm,夹持角度79o,主夹持链速度1.06 m/s,此时大蒜的平均留茎长度为37.56 mm,伤损率为2.33%,满足大蒜果秧分离作业质量的要求。该研究可为大蒜联合收获果秧分离机构的研发提供参考。     

岩溶区根系地下生境对土壤微生物生物量的影响

选择岩溶区3种不同的典型根系地下生境类型土壤作为研究对象(类型Ⅰ——白云岩水平产状多层空间类型、类型Ⅱ——白云岩倾斜产状多层空间类型及类型Ⅲ——白云岩直立产状多层空间类型),分析不同类型及层次对土壤微生物生物量的影响,以及土壤养分、土壤酶活性的变化。结果表明:(1)根系地下生境类型和层次对土壤微生物生物量的影响极显著(p<0.01);(2)3种类型的土壤微生物生物量差异极显著(p<0.01),均随土壤层次的下降而降低,类型Ⅰ的微生物环境较差,类型Ⅱ较好,类型Ⅲ居中;(3)类型Ⅰ在一定程度上能促进碳循环,类型Ⅱ利于有机碳的循环、氮的供应,类型Ⅲ利于磷的供应及有机物质的氧化。该研究可为探索岩溶地区的根系地下生境及其土壤条件,并为同等条件的土壤肥力评价、植被恢复技术研究提供参考。     

Determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of garlic (Allium sativum) and elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy

The total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of garlics from California, Oregon, Washington, and New York were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy (400-4000 cm(-1)). The total phenolic content was quantified [Folin-Ciocalteu assay (FC)] and three antioxidant activity assays, 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were employed for reference measurements. Four independent partial least-squares regression (PLSR) models were constructed with spectra from 25 extracts and their corresponding FC, DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP with values for 20 additional extracts predicted (R > 0.95). The standard errors of calibration and standard error of cross-validation were <1.45 (TEAC), 0.36 (FRAP), and 0.33 μmol Trolox/g FW (DPPH) and 0.55 mg gallic acid/g FW (FC). Cluster and dendrogram analyses could segregate garlic grown at different locations. Hydroxyl and phenolic functional groups most closely correlated with garlic antioxidant activity.     

Storage life of field-grown garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.) as influenced by nitrogen and sulfur fertilization

The most important active compound in garlic is alliin. Sulfur (S) fertilization was shown to significantly increase the alliin concentration in garlic cloves, while high nitrogen (N) levels had an adverse effect. The effect of graded N and S application on the storage life of garlic has been paid little attention so far. A bifactorial field trial with 4 levels of N and S was conducted in a randomized block design. At harvest, 40 bulbs per treatment were stored under terms comparable to the storage conditions in average households (20 °C, dry, and dim) for 83 days. Every 3 weeks, samples were analyzed for their alliin and water content. The alliin concentration in peeled garlic cloves increased during storage from on average 9.2 mg g(-1) dry weight at harvest to 21.4 mg g(-1) dry weight after 83 days of storage. S fertilization increased the alliin concentration by a factor of 2.3 from 11.4 mg g(-1) in the control treatment to 26.6 mg g(-1) dry weight at the highest S level of 45 kg ha(-1) after 83 days of storage. N fertilization decreased by a trend of the alliin content. Fertilizer rates had only a minor influence on water losses from bulbs at short-term storage. After 83 days of storage, water losses were by trend lower at higher S levels, and this relationship proved to be significant when no N was applied. Best quality in terms of high alliin contents was obtained during the entire storage time at an S level of at minimum 30 kg ha(-1) S if no N was applied. The results show that the physiological S demand of 15 kg ha(-1) S for optimum yield is lower than the S requirement of 30 kg ha(-1) S for a longer storage life.