Yield and fruit quality of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) are favoured by precipitation and cool summer conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the genetic and climatic impact on yield parameters and fruit chemical composition of black currant cultivars (Ribes nigrum L.). Correlation analysis between fruit parameters and climatic conditions over a period of eight years revealed a positive correlation between yield and precipitation during fruit development, whereas summer temperatures and radiation were negatively correlated with yield. Higher soluble solid concentrations occurred in years with high summer temperatures and radiation, while anthocyanins concentrations were negatively correlated with summer temperature. Furthermore, a negative correlation between phenolic compounds and radiation in June and July was observed. Temperature and radiation in late spring and summer were also negatively correlated with ascorbic acid concentration, while precipitation during summer was highly positively correlated with this important vitamin. These results indicate that to achieve high yield of quality black currants, rich in phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid, cool summer conditions with ample precipitation are desirable. The observed cultivar variation in the content of health-related phytochemicals provides a good potential for further breeding of new cultivars with improved fruit quality.