Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to obtain glucosinolate and flavonol content
for 35 rocket accessions and commercial varieties. 13 glucosinolates and 11 flavonol compounds
were identified. Semi-quantitative methods were used to estimate concentrations of both groups of compounds.
Minor glucosinolate composition was found to be different between accessions; concentrations
varied significantly. Flavonols showed differentiation between genera, with Diplotaxis accumulating
quercetin glucosides and Eruca accumulating kaempferol glucosides. Several compounds were detected
in each genus that have only previously been reported in the other. We highlight how knowledge of phytochemical
content and concentration can be used to breed new, nutritionally superior varieties. We also
demonstrate the effects of controlled environment conditions on the accumulations of glucosinolates and
flavonols and explore the reasons for differences with previous studies. We stress the importance of consistent
experimental design between research groups to effectively compare and contrast results