Peculiarities of the Accumulation of Glucofructans in the Aboveground Part of the Species of the Genus Allium (Amaryllidaceae)

Objective: To study the accumulation and seasonal dynamics of glucofructans in the aerial parts of Allium species. Methods: Spectrophotometric analysis of oligo- and polyfructans in leaves and inflorescences of eight Allium species across different phenological phases. Results and Discussion: Polyfructans were high (6.9–10.1%) in spring leaves of A. jesdianum and A. victorialis, but dropped during active growth. In A. victorialis, polyfructans increased again in autumn leaves (9.7–11.8%), suggesting a cryoprotective role. Oligofructans increased during active growth (up to 18.9%), with highest levels in subgenera Melanocrommyum and Anguinum. Conclusions: Fructan content in Allium leaves is species-specific and phenophase-dependent. Taxonomic position affects oligofructan accumulation. High oligofructan content in certain species is promising for food and medicinal applications.