New table grape hybrids development from teinturier population with enhanced phytochemical quality

Abstract

According to consumer demands, table grape breeding programs work to obtain innovative high quality seedless varieties with new flavours and shapes, high yields, adapted to environmental conditions, and resistant to diseases and pests. Therefore, our objective was to study 9 selected table grapes hybrids with potential market acceptance in terms of sensory and physicochemical quality, and their main bioactive compounds content during two consecutive seasons. A total of 71 hybrids were initially obtained from their parentals [‘Alicante Bouschet’ (AB) × ‘Itumfifteen’ (IT-15)]. Selected hybrids were classified according to the red colour of the flesh: non-coloured (NCF), partially coloured (PCF), and totally coloured (TCF). PCF and TCF hybrids showed 1.1–2-fold higher phenolic acids, 1.1–5.5-fold in flavonols, 1–5-fold in stilbenes, and between 1.3- and 48.4-fold in anthocyanins, respectively compared to their parentals (AB and IT-15). These were related to increases of 1.2–3.6-fold in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), being berry flesh responsible for the content of 43 % of such bioactive compounds. Therefore, the coloured flesh selected hybrids of the studied teinturier population were enhanced in phytochemical quality regarding their parentals, which has led in the development of potential healthier varieties for human consumption.