Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10553013 | Journal of Food Composition and Analysis | 2005 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted as part of an effort to evaluate the suitability of onions as a candidate crop for testing in a closed, controlled environment, hydroponic-based plant facility designed for long-term manned space missions (NASA Engineering Development Unit). Composition and total flavonol content of the plants were determined as they matured in a hydroponic-versus a soil-based system. 'Purplette' onions (Allium cepa L.) were grown hydroponically in a greenhouse for as long as 77 days. Composition of the plant tissue was determined at weekly or biweekly intervals. Ca, Mg, K, and N (wet matter basis) all decreased as plants matured. Dry matter (DM) and S contents were constant regardless of age averaging 10.6% and 187Â mg/100Â g, respectively. Total flavonol (TF) content increased as plants matured (226-538Â mg/100Â g at 14 and 77 days, respectively). Onions grown in hydroponic units or in potting medium had similar composition for all constituents examined (10.38%, 0.550%, 4.15%, and 0.97% DM, N, C, and ash, respectively; and 126.0, 55.5, 270, 185 and 453Â mg/100Â g Ca, Mg, K, S and TF, respectively). Based on phenotypic characteristics and composition determined in this study, onions were well suited to hydroponic propagation.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Authors
L. Thompson, J. Morris, E. Peffley, C. Green, P. Paré, D. Tissue, R. Jasoni, J. Hutson, B. Wehner, C. Kane,