Rootstock effect on physico-chemical properties and content of bioactive compounds of four cultivars Cornelian cherry fruits

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the fruits called 'superfoods' (functional foods). These fruits are characterized by a high content of bioactive substances and high taste qualities. Four cultivars of Cornelian cherry were planted on rootstock or on own-root. The Cornus amomum seedlings used as a rootstock significantly reduced the size of the cornelian cherry trees. The rootstock should not negatively affect the quality of the fruit, and even it would be advisable to increase their consumer value. Had to varying degrees an impact on the content of macro and micronutrients in the leaves and fruit and their mass. The fruit weight was in the range of 156 g (‘Schönbrunner’) – 477 g (‘Jolico’), and firmness 129 Gmm−1 (‘Jolico’), 211 Gmm−1 (‘Shumen’). The fruits were yellow ('Yellow') to dark red ('Jolico'). Cornelian cherry 'Jolico' from rootstock were characterized by higher inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes (α-amylase IC50 4.17, α-glucosidase IC50 13.25) and free-radical scavenging activity (DPPH 40.9 μmol g-1, ABTS+ 48.7 μmol g-1). However, the fruits of ‘Jolico’ from rootstock showed a significantly increased content of anthocyanin (871.46 mg100 g−1). 'Jolico' in rootstock was characterized by a much higher content of polyphenolic compounds (1750.6 mg100 g−1) and total anthocyanin (871.46 mg100 g-1) compared to the other tested Cornelian cherry cultivars. Rootstock did not have an influence on the creation of total flavanols, total polyphenols, and total hydroxycinnamic acid compounds in comparison to own-rot plants.