Intervarietal differences in biochemical characteristics and trace elements content in Brassica Oleracea var Capitata L.

Selection of agricultural crops on elevated levels of antioxidants may become a key point in improving human health. Determination of the most prospective direction of selection needs the data of intervarietal differences in accumulation levels of the most important antioxidants: ascorbic acid, polyphenols and selenium and evaluation of the interactions between the latter. The aim of the present study was evaluation of intervarietal differences in biochemical characteristics and trace elements accumulation by white cabbage. A direct correlation between selenium - polyphenols and indirect ones between selenium - ascorbic acid and selenium - zinc were revealed on 16 cultivars and hybrids of Brassica Oleracea var Capitata L. The highest levels of selenium and polyphenols accumulation were typical for late ripe varieties, ascorbic acid and zinc - for early ripe cultivars. The highest ability to accumulate selenium and polyphenols was demonstrates for late ripe varieties: Podarok, SK8-116 and F1 Sneginka, vitamin C and Zn - for early ripe varieties: June 3200 and Zarnitsa.