Genotypic variation of the glucosinolate profile in pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis)

Thirteen different pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) cultivars were characterized regarding their glucosinolate profile analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. The identified glucosinolates were subjected to principal component analysis, and three distinct groups of pak choi sprouts were identified. Group differences were marked mainly by variations in the aliphatic glucosinolate profile such as differing levels of 3-butenyl glucosinolate and 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl glucosinolate as well as by their varying proportional ratios. In addition, the three groups of pak choi sprouts varied by the presence or absence of 2-hydroxy-4-pentenyl glucosinolate and in level and composition of butyl glucosinolates. This classification is reflected by relative mRNA expression level of 2-oxoacid-dependent dioxygenase. As in sprouts, the major glucosinolates in mature leaves were found to be the aliphatic glucosinolates. However, unlike in sprouts, an additional aliphatic glucosinolate, 5-methylsulfinylpentyl glucosinolate, was detected as characteristic ontogenetic variation in mature leaves in 12 of the 13 pak choi cultivars analyzed.