Characterization of Phenotypic Traits and Evaluation of Glucosinolate Contents in Radish Germplasms (Raphanus sativus L.)

The edible roots of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) are consumed worldwide. For characterization and evaluation of the agronomic traits and health-promoting chemicals in radish germplasms, new germplasm breeding materials need to be identified. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the phenotypic traits and glucosinolate contents of radish roots from 110 germplasms, by analyzing correlations between 10 quantitative phenotypic traits and the individual and total contents of five glucosinolates. Phenotypic characterization was performed based on descriptors from the UPOV and IBPGR, and glucosinolate contents were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). Regarding the phenotypic traits, a significant correlation between leaf length and root weight was observed. Glucoraphasatin was the main glucosinolate, accounting for an average of 71% of the total glucosinolates in the germplasms; moreover, its content was significantly correlated with that of glucoerucin, its precursor. Principal component analysis indicated that the 110 germplasms could be divided into five groups based on their glucosinolate contents. High levels of free-radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were observed in red radishes. These results shed light on the beneficial traits that could be targeted by breeders, and could also promote diet diversification by demonstrating the health benefits of various germplasms.