Use of the Argentinean garlic (Allium sativum L.) germplasm mineral profile for determining geographic origin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral content of ten garlic cultivars (all belonging to the Argentinean germplasm and cultivated under identical agro-ecologic conditions). In addition, four of them were planted in three different geographic regions, in order to observe how the environment influences the mineral content of cultivars. Mineral profiles (Br, Rb, Na, La, Cr, Cs, Sc, Fe, Zn, Co and Eu) were determined through Neutronic Activation Analysis (NAA). The results obtained for mineral concentrations and trace elements of each sample constitute the collection of data submitted to Multivariate Data Analysis (MDA) of principal components (PCs). This study was directed to determine whether the mineral content of garlic cultivars was more influenced by genetics than by agro-ecologic conditions. We demonstrate that garlic cultivars cultivated under identical agro-ecologic conditions can be categorized into groups by using just four metals as variables. It remains to be determined whether a methodology requiring the use of mineral profiles associated with a MDA constitutes an adequate tool for determining the geographic origin of garlic bulbs.