Combining fruit quality and main antioxidant attributes in the sour cherry: The role of new clonal rootstock

Abstract

In 2018 and 2019, we evaluated the influence of seven clonal rootstocks (Colt, MaxMa 14, Krymsk 6, Adara, Cigančica, Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) with different vigour on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAc), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and main fruit physical properties of ‘Šumadinka’ sour cherry. In particular, ‘Šumadinka’ on Gisela 5, especially on Gisela 6 had the highest fruit and stone weight, fruit dimensions and ripening index (RI) value. MaxMa 14 as a semi-dwarf rootstock induced the best values of all phenolic compounds evaluated and TAC, whereas Gisela 5 as a dwarf rootstock promoted the poorest levels of these compounds and antioxidant activity. Krymsk 6 and Colt induced the highest and similar flesh rate, whereas Adara promoted the lowest. Cigančica induced the highest soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), but poor phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity. In general, the more vigorous rootstocks produced significantly lower fruit weight, fruit size, SSC and TA, but induced better content of phenolic compounds in comparison with semi-dwarf and dwarf rootstocks, respectively.