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Healthy dietary habits with abundant fruit consumption may reduce prevalence and positively affect development and progression of various chronic diseases including obesity and insulin-resistance related diseases. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) represent a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, dietary fiber, and various bioactive polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we evaluated the effect of newly introduced strawberry cultivar „Aprika” supplemented in the form of lyophilized powder, on obesity-related metabolic alterations in high-fat-diet fed mice. We hypothesized that chronic (8 weeks) supplementation of lyophilized strawberries in the amount comparable to two servings per day in humans, would ameliorate insulin resistance associated with obesity in C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, we hypothesized that strawberry meal consumed at 7PM i.e. before active feeding period of mice (which corresponds to early breakfast in humans) would induce more pronounced beneficial effects compared to meal consumed at 7AM i.e. at the end of the active feeding period (which corresponds to late dinner in humans). High fat diet induced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and obesity; and disturbed hepatic insulin signaling. Lyophilized strawberries, only when consumed before feeding period, reduced body weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity induced by high-fat diet (evidenced by lower area under the curve after an intraperitoneal GTT, reduced serum insulin levels and an insulin resistance index (IR-HOMA). Strawberry meals consumed after active feeding period had no such effect. However, strawberries, regardless of the time of consumption, restored protein level of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in the liver and increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes level. In conclusion, strawberries improve insulin sensitivity and raise hepatic antio

The impact of pruning techniques on the plant growth, yield components and fruit quality traits of substrate-grown highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivar 'Bluecrop' were evaluated over four years (2019-2022). The orchard was planted in the village of Gruža (Knić municipality, Serbia) in the spring of 2017 with 5-year-old nursery plants using 113 l polypropylene pots spaced 0.8 m apart in a row and 3.0 m between rows (4,170 plants/ha). At the onset of the trial the ‘Bluecrop’ plants were 8 years old. The two pruning techniques were applied: i) conventional pruning (CP) - removal of the most unproductive canes at the center of the canopy, and weak and excessively fruiting shoots from the top of bushes, and ii) sectorial pruning (SP) - only removal of basal canes in ¼ of the canopy each year. The average number of basal canes per bush was significantly lower in SP than in the CP treatment (14.4 vs. 17.4 canes bush-1 , respectively). SP plants had thinner canes than CP plants, which increased over the years of the study and reached a maximum diameter of 11.12 mm in 2022. CP had a positive influence on fruit yield (5.98 kg bush-1 ), which was associated with a 20% higher number of fruits per bush than in sectorial pruned plants. The fruit yield increased in the first three years of the study, reaching a maximum value in 2021 (7.57 kg per bush), whereas an opposite trend was observed in average fruit weight over the years, with the lowest value reached in the last harvest year (1.81 g). Fruit weight and soluble solids content were not affected by the pruning method, while the content of total acids, total anthocyanins and total phenolics were significantly higher in fruit harvested from the SP treatment (0.70%, 37.04 mg eq mvd-3-G /100 g FW and 1.18 mg eq GA/g FW, respectively) along with the total antioxidant capacity (8.39 mg eq AsA /g FW).

This study illustrates the differences in phenology, vegetative growth, productivity and fruit quality of newly released June-bearing strawberry cultivars (‘Quicky’, ‘Sandra’, ‘Lofty’, ‘Mila’ and ‘Aprica’) aiming to recognize their potential for wider cultivation. A field study was carried out in a strawberry plantation situated in municipality of Šid (Serbia), during the period of 2021 to 2022. The orchard was planted in July 2020 in double rows on beds covered with black polyethylene foil. Cultivars were evaluated for their flowering and ripening time, yield components, plant growth, as well as for biometrical fruit traits (fruit weight, index of fruit shape) and nutritional value (content of soluble solids - SS, total acids - TA, vitamin C, total anthocyanins –TACY, total phenolics - TPC and total antioxidant capacity - TAC). The results showed that cv. ‘Quicky’ started to ripen earliest, while cv. ‘Aprica’ was the latest in both experimental years. The number of branch crowns per plant was significantly higher in cvs. ‘Sandra’ and ‘Lofty’, whereby cv. ‘Sandra’ had also the highest number of leaves per rosette (41.5) in comparison with the other tested cultivars. Cv. ‘Aprica’ was superior in terms of productivity (1061 g/plant and 4.67 kg/m2) accompanied by the largest fruit weight (29.9 g) and index of fruit shape (1.15). Contrary to this, the lowest yield potential was found in cv. ‘Mila’ (608 g/plant and 2.68 kg/m2). Cvs. ‘Lofty’ and ‘Sandra’ ranked the highest in terms of SSC and they are also characterized by a considerably high level of TPC (1.29 mg GAE eq g-1 FW) and TACY (24.4 mg pg-3-g eq100 g-1 FW ), respectively.&nbsp

The aim of this study was to compare newly introduced mid- and late-ripening strawberry cultivars ('Arianna', 'Tea' and 'Federica') with the commercially important cultivar 'Joly' to identify the best-performing ones for extended market supply. A field study was carried out in a strawberry plantation situated in the municipality of Šid (Serbia), in the period of 2021–2022. The orchard was planted in July 2020 in double rows on beds covered with black polyethylene foil. Cultivars were evaluated for their flowering and ripening time, yield components, and plant growth, as well as for biometrical fruit traits (fruit weight, index of fruit shape) and nutritional value (the content of soluble solids - SSC, total acids - TA, vitamin C, total anthocyanins –TACY, total phenolics - TPC and total antioxidant capacity - TAC). This research revealed that the earliest average beginning of ripeness was recorded in cultivar 'Arianna' (May 19), while the latest was in cultivar 'Federica' (May 29). The number of branch crowns and leaves per plant was significantly lower in cultivars 'Tea' and 'Federica' compared to the cultivar 'Joly', whereas no significant differences in plant height were observed among the tested cultivars. 'Tea' was superior in terms of highest productivity (947 g/plant and 4.17 kg/m2 ), followed by the cultivar ‘Joly’ (865 g/plant and 3.81 kg/m2). Contrary to this, the lower yield was found in the two other tested cultivars 'Federica' (698 g/plant and 3.07 kg/m2) and 'Arianna' (773 g/plant and 3.40 kg/m2). The most productive cultivar 'Tea' had the largest fruit weight (29.7 g) and it was also characterized by the lowest content of TA, TACY, and TPC (0.56%, 18.5 mg PG-3-G eq 100 g-1 FW and 0.72 mg GA eq/g FW, respectively). Significantly higher amounts of soluble solids were found in all newly introduced cultivars in comparison to the standard cultivar 'Joly' (9.15%). The differences in TAC levels between 2021 and 2022 were significant showing higher values in

(1) The nutritional quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) fruits, among others, is largely maintained by the presence of soluble sugars and organic acids. As the primary products of photosynthesis, they are energy depots in plants, necessary for the construction of cell constituents, but also serve as precursors of aromatic compounds and signaling molecules. (2) In this study, fruits of 25 strawberry cultivars were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized concerning individual sugars and organic acids by HPLC, FT-ICR-MS, and MS imaging analysis. In addition, the total quality index (TQI), as a novel mathematical model, was used to compare all individual parameters evaluated to obtain a quantitative single score, as an indicator of overall fruit quality. (3) Regardless of a large number of cultivars and monitored parameters that were studded, several cultivars stood out in terms of selected primary metabolites, such as ‘Rumba’, ‘Jeny’, and ‘Sandra’, while the latter had the best TQI score. (4) Intercultivar variations in sugars and organic acids profiles, along with other bioactive compounds, should be considered for selection of promising cultivars with improved naturally occurring nutraceutical traits. Besides the search for a pleasant taste, increased awareness of healthy nutrition resulted in heightening consumer demand for high-quality fruit.

The most popular cultivated strawberry is the dessert strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) from which breeders have created an abundance of new improved cultivars with specific agronomic, qualitative and sensorial characteristics. In this study, two newly introduced strawberry cultivars ‘Joly’ and ‘Sibilla’ were compared with their mutual parent and commercial cultivar ‘Clery’ in terms of individual phenolics, sugars, and organic acids content. All forms of free pelargonidin were significantly higher in ‘Joly’ and ‘Sibilla’ (17.6 and 11.3 µg/g FW, respectively) compared to ‘Clery’ (3.4 µg/g FW), in which cyanidin 3-glucoside is the dominant (6.2 µg/g FW). Quercetin 3-O-glucuronide values were higher in ‘Sibilla’ and ‘Joly’ (17.4 and 11.6 µg/g FW, respectively) than in ‘Clery’ (2.6 µg/g FW). The highest values of p-coumaric acid were detected in ‘Sibilla’ (6.2 µg/g FW). Fructose content (3.1 g/100g FW) was the highest in ‘Joly’, sucrose content (0.8 g/100g FW) in ‘Sibilla’, while glucose content was similar in all three cultivars. The highest value of fumaric and citric acid (13.1 µg/g and 6.2 mg/g FW, respectively) was detected in ‘Sibilla’, while malic and shikimic acid had similar values in all three cultivars. Two newer strawberry cultivars ‘Joly’ and ‘Sibilla’ generally had higher levels of analyzed bioactive compounds compared to their common parent ‘Clery’. Given that sensorial and nutritional quality of strawberry fruit is significantly affected by the ratio of sugars and organic acids, as well as their combination with phenolic compounds, the established better fruit quality of newer cultivars indicated their significant potential for commercial cultivation.

Strawberries are rich in various health-promoting compounds. A particularly high yield of these molecules could be extracted using methanol which is unfortunately harmful to living beings. To surpass the problem of solvent toxicity, in this paper, we have incorporated methanol extracts of two novel strawberry cultivars into liposomes. Our results show that both extracts possess significant antiradical activity towards hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, unaltered by lipids from liposome membranes. These results indicate that otherwise toxic extracts could easily be turned into a promising pharmaceutical product.

Phenolic compounds of 25 newly introduced strawberry cultivars were profiled using spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total phenolic and anthocyanin content (TPC and TACY, respectively), as well as vitamin C, and concentrations of individual phenolic compounds in fruits were evaluated to identify the most promising cultivars according to their phenolic profile. The highest values of TPC, TACY, and vitamin C were recorded in ‘Premy’ (1.53 mg eq GA g−1 FW), ‘Sandra’ (30.60 mg eq Pg-3-g 100 g−1 FW), and ‘Laetitia’ (56.32 mg 100 g−1 FW), respectively. The DPPH and •OH radicals scavenging activity of fruit methanolic extracts was estimated using EPR spectroscopy. All cultivars are almost uniformly effective in the scavenging of •OH radical, while ‘Tea’, ‘Premy’, and ‘Joly’ were marked as highly potent cultivars (over 70%) in terms of DPPH-antiradical activity. Specific peroxidase activities were the highest in ‘Garda’, ‘Federica’, and ‘Rumba’ (0.11, 0.08, and 0.06 U mg−1 prot, respectively). ‘Laetitia’, ‘Joly’, ‘Arianna’, ‘Tea’, and ‘Mila’ cultivars were distinguished from others as the richest concerning almost all flavonoids and phenolic acids, including some other parameters of bioactivity. These cultivars could be recommended to consumers as functional fruit foods. © 2022 by the authors.

This study illustrates the differences in yield components, morphometric and nutritional fruit properties of the strawberry cultivar 'Clery' affected by planting density in a soilless growing system. Cold stored frigo plants were planted at the beginning of August 2018 in bags filled with 20 L substrate mixture which were placed within styrofoam containers on a 1.2 m high tabletop. The effect of two planting densities, 10 and 14 plants m(-2), on mentioned parameters was monitored during 2019 in a greenhouse from the 'Euro Fruit' company in Kupinovo, Serbia. Results showed that the harvest window was similar in both applied planting densities and it lasted around one month (from April 20 to May 20, 2019). Contrary to this, a significantly higher number of fruits plant(-1), yield plant(-1) and average fruit weight was registered in the density of 10 plants m(-2) (27.8; 545.4 g plant(-1); 20.0 g, respectively). Higher planting density of 14 plants m(-2) significantly increased concentrations of glucose, citric, malic and shikimic acids in the fruit (20.3 g kg(-1); 5.41 mg g(-1); 2.23 mg g(-1) and 20.13 mu g g(-1), respectively). Soluble solids, fructose and vitamin C content in fruit were not affected by the planting density. These results indicate that the use of a planting density of 10 plants m(-2) could be considered more suitable in a soilless production system of 'Clery' with optimal yields plant(-1) and m(-2) despite positive effects on some morphometric and chemical fruit traits at the density of 14 plants m(-2).

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is one of the most popular edible fruit worldwide of which consumption constantly increases with the development of new cultivars available at almost all season. Besides being delicious, strawberry fruits are also an important source of a wide variety of nutritive compounds such as sugars, vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds such as phenolics. Nutritive composition of sugar, organic acid, and phenolic compounds is very diversely distributed in different strawberry cultivars. Considering that sugars and organic acids significantly affect the sensorial quality of strawberry fruit, their optimal ratio combined with phenolic compounds should be accomplished in order to obtain the high quality fruit. Fruit of six strawberry cultivars newly introduced from Italy ('Aprika', 'Sibilla', 'Garda', 'Premy', ' Jeny', 'Laetitia') were characterized in relation to the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, as well as concentration of individual sugars and organic acids. 'Jeny' was the dominant strawberry cultivar in terms of glucose (4.34 g 100 g(-1) fresh weight - FW), fructose (4.68 g 100 g(-1) FW), malic (2.93 mg g(-1) FW) and shikimic (21.55 mu g g(-1) FW) acid content, while 'Laetitia' was distinguished among all other cultivars regarding total antioxidant capacity (3.99 mg AsA eq g(-1) FW), citric acid (6.86 mg g(-1) FW) and vitamin C (56.32 mg 100 g(-1) FW). Hence 'Laetitia', as the best ranking cultivars according to the content of nutritive compounds with proven bioactive effects, could be recommended for consumption in relation to the consumer preferences concerning human health and wellbeing.

Phenolic compounds of 12 strawberry cultivars were profiled using spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, coupled with multivariate regression analysis. Total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and total antioxidant capacity (TPC, TACY, and TAC, respectively) and concentrations of individual phenolics were evaluated, and the multivariate statistic was employed to identify the most promising cultivars based on their phenolic content. According to the principal component analysis, TAC was strongly correlated with the TPC (0.81), pointing out its importance in overall antioxidant activity. 'Joly', 'Laetitia', and 'Asia' cultivars were distinguished from others as the richest in concerning identified anthocyanins, almost all flavonoids and phenolic acids. Multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares indicated the presence of two main types of fluorophores assigned to anthocyanins and phenolics, in which emission spectral ratios also showed the highest values in the referred cultivars. These cultivars could be recommended to consumers in terms of the health functionality of fruit.

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se odredi i uporedi sadržaj ukupnih antocijana i ukupnih fenola, kao i antioksidativna aktivnost u plodu sorte visokožbunaste borovnice 'Bluecrop' gajene u supstratu pod uticajem različitih načina ishrane. Poljsko istraživanje je izvedeno u proizvodnom zasadu borovnice koji se nalazi u blizini Beograda (Srbija), tokom perioda 2016-2017. godine. Zasad je podignut u proleće 2016. godine sadnjom petogodišnjih biljaka u saksije od polipropilenske folije zapremine 50 l. Svaka saksija je ispunjena supstratnom smešom sastavljenom od strugotine četinara (60%), belog treseta (30%) i perlita (10%). Primenjeno rastojanje sadnje je 0,8 m u redu i 3,0 m između redova (4.170 žbunova po ha). Ispitivana je primena sledećih đubriva: 1. organska đubriva (Org); 2. mineralna đubriva (Min) i 3. kombinovana primena organskih i mineralnih đubriva (OrgMin). Rastvorljiva NPK đubriva su primenjivana kroz sistem za navodnjavanje, dok su granulisana mineralna i peletirana organska đubriva mešana sa supstratom. Uzorci plodova su uzimani u 3 ponavljanja na početku, sredini i na kraju sezone berbe. Vreme berbe nije ispoljilo značajan uticaj na testirane parametre, dok se sadržaj ukupnih antocijana nije razlikovao čak ni pod uticajem primenjenih đubriva. Sadržaj ukupnih fenola u plodu bio je značajno povećan u Org i Org-Min tretmanima (139,8, odnosno 139,3 mg ekv. gal. kis./100 g sv.m.pl.), dok je značajno veća ukupna antioksidativna aktivnost ustanovljena u plodovima iz OrgMin tretmana (0,53 mg ask./g sv.m.pl.)., The objective of this study was to determine and compare the content of total anthocyanins (TACY), total phenolics (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of the fruit of 'Bluecrop' highbush blueberry grown under different nutrient management practices in a soilless production system. A field study was carried out in a highbush blueberry plantation situated near Belgrade (Serbia), during the period of 2016-2017. The orchard was planted in the spring of 2016 in 50 l polypropylene pots with 5-year-old nursery plants. Each pot was filled with the mix of pine sawdust (60%), white peat (30%) and perlite (10%), and placed at a distance of 0.8 m within the row and 3.0 m between the rows (4,170 bushes ha-1 ). The following fertilizer treatments were evaluated: 1. organic fertilizers (Org); 2. mineral fertilizers (Min) and 3. a combination of organic and mineral fertilizers (Org-Min). Soluble NPK fertilizers were applied with irrigation water, whereas granulated mineral and pelleted organic fertilizers were mixed with the substrate. Fruit samples were collected in triplicate at the beginning of ripening, full maturity and the end of the harvest season. No significant effect of harvest time on each of the tested parameters was observed, whereas the content of TACY did not even differ under various fertilizer treatments. TPC in the fruit significantly increased in Org and Org-Min treatments (139.8 and 139.3 mg eq GA 100 g-1 FW, respectively) compared to Min treatment (122.7 mg eq GA 100 g-1 FW), while a considerably high TAA level was found only in berries under Org-Min treatment (0.53 mg asc g-1 FW).

The effect of mineral fertilizers (granulate and water soluble) and combined application of mineral (granulate and water soluble) and organic pelleted fertilizers on the vegetative potential, yield components and fruit quality of ‘Bluecrop’ highbush blueberry were tested in this study. Five-year-old plants were grown in 50 L polypropylene pots filled with the mix of pine sawdust (60%), white peat (30%) and perlite (10%). The pH of the growing media is maintained at a sufficiently low level within the range of 4.0 to 5.0. Pots were placed at a distance of 0.8 m within the row and 3.0 m between the rows (4,170 bushes ha-1). No significant differences were observed in vegetative growth, yield components, TACY and TAC affected by the applied fertilizer treatments. Combination of mineral and organic fertilizers increased soluble solids (13.9%) and total phenolic content (139.2 mg eq GA 100 g-1 FW), while the treatment with mineral fertilizers significantly enhanced the fruit weight and TA. Leaf nutrient levels were within the optimal ranges in the combined treatment; whereas both leaf N and K content were slightly increased above normal concentrations in the treatment with mineral fertilizers (2.68 and 0.79%, respectively). Harvest time also had a significant influence on the fruit weight, TA, TACY and TPC.

Two semi-erect blackberry cultivars, 'Loch Ness' and 'Triple Crown', were used to investigate the effect of Prohexadione-Ca (ProCa) on vegetative growth, generative potential and fruit quality parameters. ProCa reduced the cane and internode length, but increased the node number per meter of cane length in both cultivars. ProCa application enhanced the number of fruiting branches and yield per bush in the following year. Fruit weight, number of drupelets per fruit, fruit shape index, content of soluble solids, shikimic acid and some phenolics were significantly increased by ProCa. ProCa-cultivar interaction was significant regarding the content of quercetin-3-rutino-side and procyanidin trimer. 'Loch Ness' had approximately 40% higher yields per bush and contained abundant quantities of anthocyanins and flavonols, whereas larger fruits and higher content of primary metabolites, some flavanols and total hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were found in 'Triple Crown'. According to obtained results, the ProCa application at the rate from 100 to 200 mg L-1 is able to establish acceptable growth control without negative effects on yield and chemical fruit composition.

The influence of growth regulator prohexadione-Ca (ProCa) concurrently with young canes removal on the modification of photosynthetic pigments content and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; polyphenol oxidase, PPO; superoxide dismutase, SOD) activities in leaves and fruits of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivar 'Willamette' was studied. ProCa increased while canes removal decreased chlorophylls and carotenoids content compared to control. POD, CAT, and PPO activities in leaves after removal of young canes were higher compared to control (2-4 times) which was visually confirmed for POD by isoelectrofocusing. Removal of young canes slithly increased, while ProCa significantly enhanced SOD activity in leaves compared to control (475.10 and 218.38 nkat mg(-1) prot, respectively). Pattern of SOD activity in fruit was similar as in leaf with substantial increase compared to control (about 15 times). Combination of implemented measures increased activity of all enzymes in the leaves and fruits. Our study could provide a better knowledge of the ProCa and canes removal influences on the action of enzymes in order to regulate their activities in fruit products.

The main focus of our study was to investigate differences in ripening time, standard parameters of productivity (number of fruiting branches and fruits cane(-1), yield cane(-1) and yield bush(-1)) and fruit quality (fruit weight, index of fruit shape, soluble solids content - SSC and titratable acidity - TA), and also of nutritional value (total anthocyanins - TACY and total phenolic content - TPC) of two introduced semi-erect blackberry cultivars 'Loch Ness' and 'Triple Crown', and domestic cultivar 'Cacanska Bestrna' as a prevailing one in blackberry plantations in Serbia. Results from this study showed that the earliest first harvest date was observed in 'Loch Ness' (June 26), whereas 'Triple Crown' was the most late cultivar (July 16). 'Cacanska Bestrna' exhibited consistently higher values for the parameters of productivity achieving significantly higher yields (5.94 kg cane(-1)) in comparison to other studied cultivars. This cultivar is also characterized by the highest average fruit weight and index of fruit shape (9.67 g and 1.27, respectively). Significantly lower average fruit weight was recorded in 'Loch Ness' (5.65 g), whereas 'Triple Crown' had the lowest index of fruit shape (1.13) corresponding to conical form. 'Triple Crown' also exhibited the highest level of SSC (13.5%), followed by 'Loch Ness' (12.3%). Cacanska Bestrna' had significantly higher TA (1.57%) in comparison to the other cultivars. Regarding the nutritional value of studied cultivars, 'Loch Ness' ranked the highest in TACY and TPC (69.1 mg equivalent of cyanidin-3-glucoside 100 g(-1) of fresh weight and 14.8 mg equivalent of gallic acid g(-)1 of fresh weight, respectively). In general, introduced cultivars 'Loch Ness' and 'Triple Crown' demonstrated better outer and inner fruit quality traits than the cultivar 'Cacanska Bestrna'. Furthermore, these cultivars could be considered as genotypes with enhanced consumer acceptability.

This study illustrates variation in fruit quality attributes of two highbush blueberry cultivars ['Duke' and 'Bluecrop') across the harvests. Both cultivars were evaluated for their ripening time, physical fruit characteristics (fruit weight, index of fruit shape, and number of seeds fruit(-1)) and nutritional value (soluble solids content, total acids, total anthocyanin content, total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity). 'Duke' began to ripen 8 days earlier than 'Bluecrop' in both studied years (2013 and 2014), whereas the beginning of the ripening time was 2 days earlier in 2013. The mean fruit weight ranged from 1.87 g ['Duke') to 1.94 g ('Bluecrop') in 2013, i.e., from 1.86 g ('Bluecrop') to 1.94 g ('Duke') in 2014. Fruit weight of 'Bluecrop' decreased linearly from the first to fourth harvests and similar trend was observed in number of seeds fruit-1, while for 'Duke' trends of berry weight and number of seeds fruit-1 across harvests were inconsistent. The highest average amounts of soluble solids (SSC) and total acids (TA) in 2013 were detected in cultivar 'Bluecrop' (12.8 and 0.75%, respectively), but in 2014 SSC were similar between cultivars. TA varied greatly between the cultivars, whereby an opposite pattern to SSC can be observed across the harvests only in cultivar 'Duke' in both studied years. The differences in total anthocyanins between cultivars were statistically significant with higher value recorded in 'Duke', which also contained higher amount of total phenolics (TPH). Harvest had a significant effect on the TPH levels in 2013, but no significant differences in TPH were observed between the cultivars and harvest dates in 2014.

Introduction. We tested whether the microclimate under grey hail protection nets (HPN) had an influence on the phenology, vegetative and reproductive potential, and fruit quality traits of 'Duke' highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in two consecutive years (2013, 2014). Materials and methods. Light intensity, air temperature and relative humidity were evaluated together with biological properties (flowering and ripening time, bush height and volume, number of flowers and fruits per bush, fruit set percentage, and yield per bush), and fruit quality including biometrical (fruit weight, index of fruit shape and number of seeds per fruit) and nutritional (soluble solid content SSC, titratable acidity - TA, total anthocyanins content - TACY, total phenolic content - TPC and total antioxidant capacity - TAC) parameters. Results and discussion. In both seasons, light was reduced by 5-20% under HPN, whereas daily maximum temperature was 2.4 degrees C higher in the open field (OF). This caused two days earlier ripening time in OF compared to the HPN. The increased yield per bush under HPN was the result of larger fruit weight. SSC were unaffected by the net in 2013 while in 2014 significantly higher value of SSC was registered under HPN compared to OF. Although apparent differences in TACY and TPC were not observed between the treatments, TAC significantly increased under HPN in 2014. Conclusion. The use of grey HPN could be considered as a suitable alternative for the hail protection of highbush blueberry ensuring an increased fruit production without negative effects on their quality.

Bioclimatic air ionisation system (BI) works by neutralising air pollutants and microorganisms by means of oxidation with "activated oxygen". We investigated the effects of storage on changes in weight loss, chemical and sensory fruit properties in eight cultivars of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.). All cultivars were evaluated for their standard parameters of quality (soluble solids content, total acidity, vitamin C content, total antioxidant activity - TAC, total phenolic and anthocyanins content) at different store conditions: fresh fruits-control, cold stored (at 4 A degrees C) fruits without controlled atmospheres and cold stored (at 4 A degrees C) fruits in BI. The present study outlines that anthocyanins of the strawberries stored in BI were subjected to significant degradation. These strawberries have prolonged shelf-life accompanied by weight loss reduction, TAC increment, and sensory properties improvement in tested cultivars, retaining other nutritional fruit qualities.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical composition of six berry types belonging to Fragaria, Rubus, Vaccinium and Ribes genus. Fruit samples were collected in triplicate (50 fruit each) from 18 different species or cultivars of the mentioned genera, during three years (2008 to 2010). Content of individual sugars, organic acids, flavonols, and phenolic acids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, while total phenolics (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by using spectrophotometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) were performed to evaluate the differences in fruit biochemical profile. The highest contents of bioactive components were found in Ribes nigrum and in Fragaria vesca, Rubus plicatus, and Vaccinium myrtillus. PCA and CA were able to partially discriminate between berries on the basis of their biochemical composition. Individual and total sugars, myricetin, ellagic acid, TPC and TAC showed the highest impact on biochemical composition of the berry fruits. CA separated blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry as isolate groups, while classification of strawberry, black and red currant in a specific group has not occurred. There is a large variability both between and within the different types of berries. Metabolite fingerprinting of the evaluated berries showed unique biochemical profiles and specific combination of bioactive compound contents.

Fruit extracts of two raspberry (Rubus idaeus L) cultivars (Autumn Bliss and Polka) were analysed for total phenolic (TPC) and anthocyanin (TACY) content. Correlation of TPC with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) showed higher free-radical scavenging properties of Autumn Bliss (r(2) = 0.9999) compared to Polka (r(2) = 0.8972). Correlation coefficient between TACY and TAC were higher in Autumn Bliss (r(2) = 0.9939) compared to Polka fruits (r(2) = 0.8419). Although total protein concentrations were similar in both cultivars (similar to 0.35 mg mL(-1)), activities of peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases were much higher in Polka, which were confirmed with isoelectric focusing in cationic (pl 9.3) and anionic (pl 3.6) range. HPLC detection showed that among detected flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, rutin, myricetin, resveratrol, quercetin and kaempferol) epicatechin appears to be the most abundant compound. Chlorogenic, caffeic and p-coumaric acid were also detected. The results indicate that the changes in enzymes activities related to content of substrates play an important role in nutrient quality definition of raspberry fruits.

Plant growth retardants' applications have a practical use in fruit production, generally resulting in better vegetative growth and cropping level balance. Foliar applications of the gibberellin synthesis inhibitor prohexadione-Ca (ProCa), removal of young canes, and the combination of these treatments were evaluated in the Willamette raspberry (Rubus idaeus L). The experiment consisted of 5 treatments, including 1 untreated control. ProCa was applied during the period of April May, as a foliar spray at active ingredient concentrations of 100 ppm (first application) and 200 ppm (second application) at a 3-week interval, either in treatment with ProCa alone or in combination with young cane removal (R+ProCa). The first series of young primocanes were removed for the first time in mid-April (R and R+ProCa) and for the second time at the beginning of May (2R). Application of a growth retardant resulted in the inhibition of the cane's growth, followed by increasing the number of nodes per meter of cane. Positive effects of ProCa and R+ProCa on the number of fruiting laterals and yields per floricane were found without negative consequences on fruit quality, except for a reduction of total acidity. All treatments increased yield per cane. Total antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and anthocyanin contents were significantly increased using ProCa.

The chemical fruit composition, phenolic profile, and corresponding total antioxidant activity of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and 2 commercial blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum) were analyzed. Results from this study showed that cultivar Berkeley yielded the highest glucose and fructose contents (70.8 and 88.8 mg/g FW, respectively), and the sweetness index expressed a similar trend, achieving the highest value for cultivar Berkeley (279.2). Citric acid was the major organic acid in the berries tested. V myrtillus yielded a total organic acids value 2-fold higher (0.35 mg/g FW) as well as the highest vitamin C content (25.8 mg/100 g FW). Among the flavonols measured, myricetin was most abundant in V myrtillus (10.7 mu g/g FW), whereas the highest amounts of kaempferol and quercetin were detected in the blueberry cultivar Bluecrop (4.75 and 9.11 mu g/g FW, respectively). Despite the challenge of characterizing phenolic acids due to the complexity and natural variation in fruit composition, this study confirms that cultivars of V corymbosum are rich sources of chlorogenic acid, particularly cultivar Bluecrop (71.2 mu g/g FW). Nevertheless, total phenolics were higher in V myrtillus than in the cultivated blueberries, and consequently the highest level of total antioxidant capacity was recorded in wild bilberry (6.16 mg asc/g FW). This semicomprehensive study characterizes the fruit quality attributes and illustrates differences in the content of taste- and health-related compounds present in these Vaccinium berries.

This study characterizes the fruit quality attributes and illustrates the differences in biometrical characteristics, taste- and health-related compounds present in wild bilberry (V. myrtillus) and two commercial blueberry cultivars of V. corymbosum ('Berkeley' and 'Bluecrop'). Fully ripened berries were evaluated for their biometrical characteristics (fruit weight, size, and index of fruit shape), taste compounds (sugars, sweetness index and total acids), and health-beneficial properties (total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity). V. myrtillus exhibited significantly lower values of fruit weight and size in comparison to blueberry cultivars (0.47 g, 8.6 mm and 9.2 mm, respectively). Cultivar 'Berkeley' yielded the highest glucose and fructose contents (70.8 and 88.8 mg/g FW, respectively), and the sweetness index expressed similar trend achieving the highest value for this cultivar (279.2). Conversely, V. myrtillus contained abundant quantities of total organic acids as an important attribute of nutritional fruit quality (0.35 mg/g FW). Vaccinium species differ greatly in their total phenolic content and a very high value of total phenolics obtained in V. myrtillus (3.87 mg GAE/g FW) was 2-fold greater than those of cultivated blueberries. Total antioxidant capacity showed the greatest level for V. myrtillus (6.16 mg asc/g FW), probably reflecting similar expressed total phenolic content. Correlation coefficients between total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity ranged from r = 0.89 ('Bluecrop') to r = 0.95 (V. myrtillus and 'Berkeley').

Content of individual sugars, organic acids, total phenolics (TPH), some important phenolic compounds (kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and ellagic acid) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the fruits of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry were studied. A comparison was made between cultivars and wild relatives of each species (Fragaria vesca L., Rubus idaeus L. and Rubus fruticosus L.). The main sugars found were fructose and glucose both in the fruits of wild species and the studied cultivars. Citric acid was determined to be the major organic acid in most of tested berries with the exception of blackberry cultivars, where malic acid was dominant. The content of individual phenolic compounds varied among the wild species, as well as among the studied cultivars. Ellagic acid content was higher in F. vesca, R. idaeus and R. fruticosus (122.5 mu g/g FW, 12.71 mu g/g FW and 61.7 mu g/g FW, respectively) than that obtained in analyzed cultivars. Overall, TPH expressed higher values in the wild strawberry and blackberry species in comparison to the studied cultivars, and consequently, the highest levels of TAC were recorded in F. vesca (5.78 mg asc/g FW), followed by R. fruticosus (4.95 mg asc/g FW).

Eight primocane fruiting red raspberry cultivars grown at the Experimental station "Radmilovac', a collective raspberry orchard of the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade University, were harvested in 2008 and 2009. The cultivars evaluated were 'Autumn Bliss', 'Lyulin', 'Polana', 'Polka', 'Himbo Top', 'Ruby', 'Rossana, and 'Heritage'. All cultivars were evaluated for their standard parameters of productivity (number of fruiting laterals and fruit per primocane, both yield per primocane and per meter of hedgerow) and fruit quality (fruit weight, number of drupelets per fruit, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity), and also of nutritional value (Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Phenolics (TPH)). The cultivars differed in terms of generative characteristics in both experimental years. In the 1st studied year, `Rossana' expressed the lowest values of all generative characteristics, whereas 'Heritage' yielded much higher per primocane and meter of hedgerow (107.2 g and 4.0 kg, respectively). An increase of cropping potential in all studied cultivars was recorded in the 2nd year of the experiment. A similar trend was observed with fruit weight values, although large differences were also found among the cultivars. The highest number of drupelets per fruit as well as the largest fruit in 2009 (4.6 g) was found in 'Polka'. 'Polka' also exhibited the highest level of soluble solids content in 2009 (14.4%), followed by 'Rossana (14.2%). It was found that raspberry cultivars with the smallest fruit size ('Rossana' and 'Autumn Bliss') showed the highest nutritional value expressed through the highest TPH and TAG levels. However, some of the cultivars represented here may satisfy both producers' demands and contribute to the improvement of consumers' health.