Evaluation of abiotic elicitor effects on some biochemical parameters of garlic

Nanoparticles due to their unique physicochemical properties, are widely used in biotechnology. Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as spice and drug for many years. Allicin as the best known active compound of garlic has a vast variety of biological effects. In this project effect of two abiotic elicitors including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nitrate on growth and some biochemical parameters of garlic explants were studied. On silver nitrate-exposed samples; fresh weight, allicin, protein and cysteine contents, and catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activity was less than control. On AgNPs 25 ppm, growth, allicin, protein and cysteine contents was higher than untreated explants. Allicin content of AgNPs-treated explants was greater than the other treatments, on 25 ppm silver nitrate similar to control group and in 50 ppm-treated explants was the least. In conclusion because of the medicinal effects of allicin probably AgNPs could be a good candidate to increase allicin content.