Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effects of electrolyzed acid and alkaline solutions on the growth and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts. The fresh and dry weights of the radish sprouts, the contents per 100 g FW and amounts per leaf of chlorophyll, and the contents per 100 g FW and amounts per plant of sugar, ascorbic acid and 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (MTB-ITC) were analysed. The plants cultivated in 1⁄1 and 1⁄2 strength alkaline solutions exhibited superior growth and a low MTB-ITC content. With an increasing degree of dilution of the alkaline solutions, the growth was retarded, and the contents of chlorophyll, sugar, ascorbic acid and MTB-ITC increased. The amounts of these components were the highest in the 1⁄2 strength alkaline solution. The plants withered and died in the 1⁄1, 1⁄2 and 1⁄5 strength acid solutions. The growth of the plants and the contents and amounts of above components in the 1⁄10, 1⁄50 and 1⁄100 strength acid solutions were similar to those of plants grown in distilled water. Cultivation in acid solutions did not improve the growth and quality of the plants.
