Abstract
Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (lingonberry) fruits are promising sources of bioactive components with high potential in biomedical applications. Selection in plant breeding, determination of perspective wild clones with optimal growing conditions, and appropriate harvesting time leading to standardized extracts are key factors for achieving phytochemical quality to meet consumer’s needs. In the present study, lingonberry fruits collected along different phenological stages and from different geographical locations were analyzed for the composition of 56 constituents using validated chromatographic techniques. Early stages of lingonberries vegetation were determined as the best stages for obtaining high levels of most phenolics and triterpenoids, while the end of berry vegetation could be chosen as the optimal harvesting time in terms of anthocyanins. Furthermore, intensified continuous biosynthesis of triterpenoids and phenolic acids precursors after vegetation season in the winter sample was observed. Chemodiversity of lingonberries was affected by geographical factors as well as climatic and edaphic conditions, indicating different favorable growing conditions for the accumulation of particular compounds. Present findings could serve for breeders to obtain the highest yields of desirable lingonberry constituents, relevant in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Highlights
The phytochemical composition, quality, and safety of plant-based food are typically influenced by numerous factors [1]
Sample of Labanoras location differed by the variety: (a) V. vitis-idaea L. var. leucocarpum Asch. et Magnus, which distinguished themselves by white berries; and (b) typical variety of lingonberries, growing together in certain forest plots
The significant variance of contents of particular lingonberry phenolics was observed with the greatest variation of anthocyanins (coefficient of variation (CV) = 82.5%)
Summary
The phytochemical composition, quality, and safety of plant-based food are typically influenced by numerous factors [1]. Plants have cells known as circadian clock genes, and are able to anticipate seasonal changes and adapt to different growing conditions by regulating the development and accumulation of bioactive compounds in the presence of any external or environmental cues [7]. Relations among the accumulation and storage of secondary plant metabolites due to abiotic stresses have not yet been fully defined, and effects are likely to vary depending on the plant, organ, and type of metabolites [3]. It is of great importance from the plant material quality point of view to study relations of growth conditions and chemical composition of edible plants
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
