Cornelian Cherry Cultivars Research Articles

Using natural deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits

Traditionally used extraction methods are usually based on toxic and/or flammable solvents. Therefore, currently, increased attention has been focused on environmentally friendly green extraction techniques. We aimed to develop a green extraction procedure by using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to recover antioxidant compounds from cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.). Natural deep eutectic systems combined with maceration with shaking extraction were tested to recover of antioxidant compounds from cornelian cherry fruits. In this study, four different independent variables, namely solvent type (Glu-CA; Glu-Gly; LA-Glu), water concentration (30, 50, and 70 %; v/v), extraction time (30, 60, 90, and 120 min), and extraction temperature (25, 40, and 50 °C) were investigated. Glucose-glycerin (Glu-Gly; 1:1 M ratio) based solvent provided the best results. In addition, one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) optimization showed that a temperature of 25 °C, 120 min of extraction time, and water concentration of 50 % (v/v) to be the best extraction parameters for Glu-Gly based NADES extraction. The developed method has been successfully applied for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from 13 different cornelian cherry cultivars. NADES can be used safely to extract phenolic compounds from cornelian cherry fruits compared to conventional extraction solvents (water and 80 % (v/v) ethanol).

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) as a promising source of antioxidant phenolic substances and minerals

This study aimed to evaluate the mineral content, and content of bioactive compounds in fruits of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were determined in the samples. Vitamin C content ranged from 610.36 to 1344 mg kg−1 FW. Content of K, Ca, P, Mg, and Na in samples ranged from 1750.8 to 2645.7 mg kg−1 FW, from 281.14 to 561.62 mg kg−1 FW, from 180.38 to 294.95 mg kg−1 FW, from 68.19 to 115.43 mg kg−1 FW, and from 2.48 to 71.33 mg kg−1 FW respectively. Content of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co in samples ranged from 2.77 to 4.88 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.49 to 0.99 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.25 to 0.53 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.07 to 0.17 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.02 to 0.13 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.01 to 0.02 mg kg−1 FW, and from 0.01 to 0.08 mg kg−1 FW respectively. Variations across cultivars were found to be statistically significant, indicating that genetics is a key factor influencing the concentration of bioactive compounds and minerals in Cornelian cherry fruits. Understanding the genetic factors influencing mineral and bioactive compound content in cornelian cherry cultivars is essential for targeted breeding programs, crop improvement, and the development of cultivars with enhanced nutritional and health-promoting attributes. This knowledge contributes to sustainable agriculture and supports the production of crops that align with consumer preferences and health trends.

Effect of the Climatic Conditions in Central Europe on the Growth and Yield of Cornelian Cherry Cultivars

Fruit of Cornelian cherry can be used fresh or processed, and cultivation practices are developing in this direction. Due to the rarity of its cultivation, Cornelian cherry is harvested from natural sites of occurrence. However, the fruit from natural sites is of lower quality than the cultivars, as their seedlings differ in terms of fruit ripening. The objective of this experiment was the evaluation of approximately a dozen cultivars in terms of growth and fruit yield under the conditions of Central Europe. The effect of climatic conditions on the onset date of particular phenological stages was also assessed. All the analysed cultivars are suitable commodity crops, but they should be accurately selected depending on the direction of production. The first phenological stage of Cornelian cherry is the appearance of inflorescences before the development of leaves. The start of particular phenophases depends on the temperature and precipitation. Cornelian cherries cultivated under ecological conditions show satisfactory fruit size and generally a small percentage of stone. Most cultivars have an elongated fruit shape, and the shape factor decreases with their growth and ripening. The fruit grows along a double sigmoid, and its first intensive growth occurs following the extinction of intensive shoot growth.

Relationship of colour with the phytocompounds present in Cornus mas cultivars

ABSTRACT Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are a well-known source of antioxidants and other biologically active compounds, and these compounds depend on maturity. Ripeness is recognized by means of a visual assay of the growing fruit. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the color of the tested cultivars of Cornus mas and their content of the predominant compounds (i.e., flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, carotenoids and chlorophyll). The studied deviation between cultivars is based on the tested parameters and compared with the genetic profile of Cornelian cherry cultivars. Cornelian is a rich source of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Particularly valuable is the cv. Szafer variety, which color is the darkest and the richest in phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. However, the correlation between colorimetric and chemical parameters is found to be low for most variables. Genetic polymorphism analysis showed different distances between the cultivars than the values resulting from chemical analyses. The part of fruit, which was subjected to colorimetric measurement, did not affect the distance projection. Colorimetric parameters were poorly correlated with spectroscopic results, but did not change the distances between the samples. Differences in fruit color and composition, and genetic relationship can be drawn from the adaptation of different cultivars to the current study.

Sustainable Cornelian Cherry Production in Montenegro: Importance of Local Genetic Resources

Cornelian cherries has been grown Balkan peninsula no apparent disease and pest problems for centuries. The most important pomological and technological properties of cornelian cherry genetic resources (eleven local and introduced varieties and selections) in Gornje Polimlje, Montenegro were studied in four-year periods. Fruit weight, stone weight, and mesocarp/stone ratio shows great variation and varied between 1.89 to 6.16 g, 0.32 to 0.64 g and between 76.66 and 90.59%, respectively. Genotypes significantly differed each other in terms of yield determined as per trunk cross section area (TCSA). For better visualization of the agronomical traits important to the yield, i.e., yield per TCSA and fruit weight data is presented in combination as measured in the years of study. The best promising genotypes are Vladimirskiy, Chisinau yellow, and Krupnoplodni NS, which had consistently higher yield and large fruits for sustainable fruit production. Dry matter, total sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose, total acidity, Ca–pectate, vitamin C, total anthocyanins, total polyphenols, and ash content of cornelian cherry cultivars and selections were found between 19.81–24.46%, 10.94–14.47%, 10.44–13.09%, 0.24–1.23%, 1.92–2.51%, 2.76–4.43%, 41.09–101.27 mg/100 g, 0–157.06 mg/100 g, 183.91–307.9 mg/100 g, and 0.89–1.16%, respectively. The amount of potassium, which predominates in percentage of minerals in the ash, ranged from 2888 to 3574 mg/kg. The extensiveness of the study leads, therefore, to several clear conclusions and recommendations. Consistently, the best balance of biochemical elements in combination with good yield and fruit size measurements is found in selection Krupnoplodi NS. If consider fruit size and yield efficiency are priority, Vladimirskiy, Chisinau yellow, Kosten 3, and Krupnoplodni NS have clear advantage over the other genotypes. The study highlights the importance of local cornelian cherry selections for sustainable cornelian cherry production in Montenegro.

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

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.

Characteristics of Biologically Active Compounds in Cornelian Cherry Meads

In this study, we investigated the effect of Cornelian cherry cultivars differing in fruit color (“Yantaryi”—yellow fruits, “Koralovyi”—coral fruits, “Podolski”—red fruits) on physicochemical characteristics, antioxidative properties, and contents of iridoids and polyphenols in meads with the addition of juices made of their fruits. “Trójniak” type meads (1:2 honey to water volume) were manufactured from multifloral honey, to which Cornelian cherry fruit juice was added before fermentation. Concentrations of individual iridoids and polyphenols were determined using HPLC analysis with a thermostat refractometric detector, model RID-10A. The total polyphenol content was determined based on testing with Folin–Ciocalteu (F-C) reagent, whereas the antioxidative properties were determined using DPPH• (2,2-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), ABTS•⁺ (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Cultivar of Cornelian cherry fruits influenced both the antioxidative properties and the concentrations of polyphenols and iridoids. The highest concentration of total polyphenols (F-C), accounting for 898.7 mg gallic acid (GAE)/L, was determined in the mead with juice made of red fruits; this mead was also characterized by the strongest antioxidative capabilities measured with ABTS•⁺ and FRAP assays. Among the iridoids determined in the Cornelian cherry meads, loganic acid was found to prevail and its highest concentration, reaching 77.8 mg loganic acid (LA)/L mead, was determined in the mead with the coral-fruit juice. Study results indicate that Cornelian cherry meads have a high content of biologically active iridoids and phenolic acids which display valuable antioxidative properties.

Cornus mas (L.) Fruit as a Potential Source of Natural Health-Promoting Compounds: Physico-Chemical Characterisation of Bioactive Components.

Interest in new sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds has recently become a major research issue, with the cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) receiving particular attention for its significant amounts of phenolic compounds and vitamins, which exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. This study was aimed at increasing knowledge regarding the cornelian cherry in Italy through the analysis of biologically active substances in the locally available genotype "Chieri". Spectrophotometric methods were applied to evaluate antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin content and total polyphenolic content. Identification and quantification of the main phytochemical compounds (polyphenols, monoterpenes, organic acids and vitamin C) was performed via high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector. C. mas extracts showed high levels of total soluble solids and low acidity. High amounts of phenolic secondary metabolites were observed, with particular reference to anthocyanins (134.71 mgC3G/100 gFW), which confer remarkable nutraceutical properties to the analysed samples. These results highlight the potential of C. mas fruits as a good source of natural antioxidants, suggesting their use as a functional food. Future studies should focus on identifying other specific phytochemical compounds and the genetic traits of local varieties in order to improve cornelian cherry cultivars for food and medicine production.

Studies on the Structure of Flowers and Inflorescences of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.)

This study reports on the arrangement of flower buds and structure of floral organs of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) cultivars local to Turkey. The local cultivars were investigated under stereo microscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that each node has two oppositely positioned buds on 1-year-old shoot. Inflorescences resembled the umbel structure that enclosed four (two sets of oppositely oriented) bud scales. The mean flower number varied between 16.3 and 19.9 per cluster among the cultivars. The flowers resembled the hermaphrodite type and one flower was found to have four rudimentary sepals, four petals, four stamens, and one pistil. The stamens were noted to be arranged around the base of the ovary. Each normal anther was observed to have two pollen-producing theca, and each theca was found to have two locules. The number of pollen grains per anther varied between 1380 and 4240 among the genotypes. The pistil was noted to have a deeply hollowed papillate stigmatic surface, and the central part of the style had conducting tissue. The ovarium part of the pistil was found to be surrounded by the nectary tissue, inferior type, and had two atropous ovules. The fruit resembled single-seeded, stone fruit type. This study is the first detailed study on the flower morphology and inflorescences of the cornelian cherry cultivars in Turkey.

‘Ntoulia 1’ and ‘Ntoulia 2’ Cornelian Cherries (Cornus mas L.)

Cornelian cherry is a minor fruit species that deserves some attention mainly as a result of its economic potential and environmental importance of its cultivation. ‘Ntoulia 1’ and ‘Ntoulia 2’ are two new Greek cornelian cherry cultivars, whereas ‘Electra’ and ‘Naoussa’ are new selected clones. The experiment was conducted in northern Greece for 2 consecutive years. Productivity and fruit weight of ‘Ntoulia 1’ were higher than ‘Ntoulia 2’. ‘Electra’ showed the highest fruit weight followed by ‘Ntoulia 1’, whereas ‘Naoussa’ and ‘Ntoulia 2’ showed lower fruit weight values. ‘Ntoulia 2’ showed the highest value of total soluble solids followed by ‘Ntoulia 1’ and ‘Electra’. Total titratable acidity did not differ between genotypes. In descending antioxidant capacity, the order was: ‘Ntoulia 2’ > ‘Electra’ > ‘Naoussa’ > ‘Ntoulia 1’. Total phenolics in fruits of the cultivar Ntoulia 2 were higher than ‘Ntoulia 1’ and ‘Electra’. Nitrogen, potassium, manganese, and zinc concentrations of ‘Electra’ were higher than the other genotypes, whereas boron concentration was lower. However, concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium were not different between genotypes.

English

  The aim of this work was to determine antioxidant activity in 12 cultivars of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Two assays based on ion reduction of ABTS (2,2´-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals were used for antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content of the fruit was analysed by Folin-Ciocelteau colorimetric method and ascorbic acid content was analysed using column chromatography - electrochemical detector (Coulochem III). The highest amounts of total phenolic content were found in cultivars ´Vydubeckij´ and ´Titus´ as 7.96 and 8.11 g gallic acid kg-1 of fresh mass (FM). High correlation between polyphenols and antioxidant activity in fruits of the cultivars was observed (r2 = 0.970 for DPPH test and r2 = 0.978 for ABTS test). The highest total content of ascorbic acid was determined in cultivar ´Olomoucky´, with the value of 3.11 g kg-1 FM. This study attempts to contribute to the knowledge of human nutritional properties of these cornelian cherry cultivars and may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information and further propagation of cultivation and utilization of this fruit in the world.   Key words: Cornelian cherry, phenolics, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid.

Variations and abnormalities of stamen morphologies in cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) cultivars

: Stamen morphologies of six cornelian cherry cultivars (Degirmendere, Erkenci Degirmendere, İri Bardak, Yuvarlak Bardak, Uzun Memeli, and Bugur) (<I>Cornus mas</I> L.) were evaluated using scanning electron, light and stereo microscopes. Flowers of cornelian cherry cultivars generally had four stamens, but a few of them had three or five stamens. Abnormal and normal stamens were found together in the cultivars examined. Percentages of abnormal stamens among the cultivars ranged from 12% to 22%. Various types of stamen abnormalities were identified in the cultivars such as variations in filament length, abnormalities in anther structure, fusion of stamen to other floral organs. Pollen grain numbers per anther varied between 1,380 and 4,240 among the cultivars. Abnormal anther surface morphology in the cultivars consisted of uneven and swollen epidermal cells. Anther dimensions varied between 624.00 and 1,001.25 μm in length and 460.50 and 745.50 μm in width. Anthers of all the cultivars had subprolate and prolate type of shapes.

Pollen Morphology and Anatomy of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Cultivars

Morphology and ultrastructure of pollen grain were described for six cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) cultivars (Degirmendere, Erkenci Degirmendere, İri Bardak, Yuvarlak Bardak, Uzun Memeli, and Bugur) using light microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Pollen grains of cornelian cherry cultivars are trizonocolporate, the germinal furrow extending almost the full length of the grain axis. Pollen grain length for the studied cultivars ranged from 23.63 to 25.13 μm. Two different pollen shapes were observed: oblate spheroidal and prolate spheroidal. Significant changes in various layers of the pollen wall are as follows: the thickness of the intine: 233.1 to 406.4 nm, exine: 510.2 to 842.7 nm, and total wall 851.4 to 1175.8 nm. Percentages of abnormal pollen grains ranged from 3.9% to 27.6% among the cultivars. Abnormal pollen grains were categorized as: 1) shrunken pollen grains of abnormal appearance with little cytoplasm; 2) pollen grains of normal appearance with little or no cytoplasm; and 3) shrunken, abnormal pollen grains of elliptical shape with a colpate-type aperture.