Abstract:

In this study, sprout length, respiratory rate, water content, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, total phenolic and
abcorbic acid contents, and myrosinase activity in cabbage sprouts from the cultivars “Xinxia 50” and “Zihongzuan” during
germination were studied. The results showed that the sprout length, respiratory rate, and water content increased during the
period of germination. “Xinxia 50” grew faster than “Zihongzuan”. Glucosinolates and total phenolic contents were found
to be the highest in cabbage seeds but decreased with germination time. The isothiocyanates contents in “Xinxia 50” and
“Zihongzuan” increased to the highest level at the first day of germination but then decreased to the lowest value at day 5.
However, the myrosinase activity increased to the highest at days 1 and 3 after germination, respectively. While abcorbic
acid was not detected in cabbage seeds, and its content increased at the early germination stage but then declined.

Key words: cabbage seeds, germination, glucosinolates, total phenols, isothiocyanates, myrosinase, ascorbic acid