Influence of sulfur fertilization on S-containing, phenolic, and carbohydrate metabolites in rosy garlic (Allium roseum L.): a wild edible species in North Africa

Abstract

Allium roseum L., a North African endemic species, is a rich source of many important nutrients and bioactive compounds responsible for many promising beneficial health physiological effects. The influence of sulfur fertilization (S fertilization) on the flavor, total polyphenols, and carbohydrates content in A. roseum was studied, using three sulfur concentrations (0.01, 1.50 and 4.50 mmol L−1) under controlled conditions. S fertilization showed a significant increase in the allicin concentration of A. roseum bulbs with an average of 0.859–2.285 g kg−1 FW for bulbs grown at 0.01 and 1.50 mmol L−1 SO42−, respectively. The same trend was observed for total polyphenol content. On the contrary, the highest level of S decreased the content of reduced carbohydrates. These results provide evidence that the concentrations of allicin and polyphenols in A. roseum are increased by S fertilization, potentially amplifying its beneficial impacts on health.