Pomological and phytochemical diversity in Iranian populations of Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinum arctostaphylos L.)

Abstract

Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.), locally named Qare-Qat, is a shrub native to humid Caucasus area including northwest of Iran. It is a medicinal plant which has been intensively utilized in Iranian folk medicine as an antihypertensive and antidiabetic agent for many years. In order to determine the pomological and phytochemical properties of various caucasian whortleberry populations, aerial parts samples were collected from 11 locations in native regions. Current study indicated significant differences in pomological and phytochemical characteristics of Caucasian whortleberry (V. arctostaphylos L.) populations collected from 11 locations in 3 different province. Our results showed that the highest berry and flesh weight, number of seeds per berry, berry length and width, number of cluster per inflorescence and flowering stem length were observed from plants collected from Saghezchi-A population in Ardabil province, while the lowest values were obtained from Zendaneh population in Gilan province. In addition, the highest content of anthocyanin, total phenolics and antioxidant in both fruits and leaves of V. arctostaphylos L. were mainly recorded from Saghezchi-A population followed by Khanghah population. According to studied traits, V. arctostaphylos L. populations were divided into three different groups. Saghezchi-A, Khanghah and Saghezchi-A populations were placed in a same group with mainly the best pomological and phytochemical properties. These locations were characterized by high solar radiation. Therefore, they can be exploited for selection of suitable genotypes for organizing the berry breeding programs and taking advantage of this plant in garden establishment and fruit production investigations.