The effects of different sowing time practices on Vitamin C and mineral material content for rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (Mill))

Salad rocket largely differs in composition and content for antioxidants such as Vitamin C together with a significant variability of bioactive compounds. Rocket encloses the highest Vitamin C content among the Brassicaceae vegetables used for salad. The content of Vitamin C and minerals in plants is affected by seasonal factors such as sowing time and the date of harvesting. The existence of Vitamin C and mineral materials in the content of green leaved vegetables are subject to different factors. The main factors are light and temperature. The aim of this study is to determine the values of antioxidant worthy Vitamin C and mineral material for rocket on different sowing times - fall and spring - that have different light and temperature conditions. Experiments were carried out in an unheated greenhouse in fall and spring growing period in Corlu, Turkey (41°11'N, 27°49'E). Results indicated that the rocket grown in fall sowing time has the maximum Vitamin C content as 57.41 mg 100 g -1. Moreover, N, P and K values in fall sowing time are at the highest values as 3.69, 0.30 and 3.02% respectively. For rocket; Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents reached at the highest values in fall sowing time; however, spring sowing time offered uppermost values for Mg and Mn contents in the research. In addition to its relatively short cultivating period, rocket has an easy growing vegetable. With its content of Vitamin C and mineral materials, it can be a good alternative crop for fall growing periods in an unheated greenhouse as well. © 2011 Academic Journals