Carbohydrate Analysis of an Interspecific Hybrid between Onion and Garlic

Abstract

Carbohydrates from the bulb tissues of a hybrid between onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) were fractionated into 70% ethanol-soluble and insoluble fractions. The substantial soluble fraction comprised a range of fructans, and the insoluble fraction contained large amounts of pectic substances (including 4-linked galactan) and highly branched xyloglucan, which is characteristic of dicotyledons rather than of monocotyledons in the cell-wall composition. The carbohydrates from the hybrid showed characteristics intermediate between onion and garlic.