Abstract
Ancient apple cultivars usually have higher nutraceutical value than commercial ones, but in most cases their variability in pomological traits does not allow us to discriminate among them. Fruit of two Tuscany ancient apple cultivars, ‘Casciana’ and ‘Rotella’, picked from eight different orchards (four for each cultivar) were analyzed for their pomological traits, organoleptic qualities, polyphenolic profile and antiradical activity. The effectiveness of a polyphenol-based cluster analysis was compared to molecular markers (internal transcribed spacers, ITS1 and ITS2) to unequivocally discern the two apples. ‘Casciana’ and ‘Rotella’ fruit had a higher nutraceutical value than some commercial cultivars, in terms of phenolic abundance, profile and total antiradical activity. Although pedo-climatic conditions of different orchards influenced the phenolic profile of both apples, the polyphenolic discriminant analysis clearly separated the two cultivars, principally due to higher amounts of procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3 and p-coumaroylquinic acid in ‘Casciana’ than in ‘Rotella’ fruit. These three polyphenols can be used proficiently as biochemical markers for distinguishing the two apples when pomological traits cannot. Conversely, ITS1 and ITS2 polymorphism did not allow us to distinguish ‘Casciana’ from ‘Rotella’ fruit. Overall, the use of polyphenolic fingerprint might represent a valid tool to ensure the traceability of products with a high economic value.
Highlights
In Italy, the landscape complexity from ancient times has influenced the selection of numerous local apple cultivars
The current study reports new information about the nutraceutical properties of two ancient apple cultivars, ‘Rotella’ and ‘Casciana’
The polyphenolic content and the total antiradical activity found in these two ancient apple cultivars were higher than values reported for some commercial cultivars, drawing attention to the need to rediscover and re-evaluate old varieties in the attempt to find new
Summary
In Italy, the landscape complexity from ancient times has influenced the selection of numerous local apple cultivars. ‘Casciana’ are two ancient apple varieties typically found in Tuscany and both are listed in the germplasm bank of the Tuscany region ‘Rotella’ is cultivated in Lunigiana and is characterized by medium-small fruits, with a slightly flattened round shape at the ends; the ‘Rotella’ apple is very tender, with a white pulp of a sweet-sour taste. The ‘Casciana’ apple is an ancient cultivar largely cultivated in Garfagnana, which is similar to the ‘Rotella’, but generally characterized by a larger and less flattened size [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
