Phenolic compounds, pectin and antioxidant activity in blueberries (<em>Vaccinium corymbosum</em> L.) influenced by boron and mulch cover

Authors

  • I. Eichholz
  • S. Huyskens-Keil
  • L. W. Kroh
  • S. Rohn

Abstract

Highbush blueberry cultivars ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Reka’ were growing in two variants of mulching and fertilizing systems on formerly used farmland. Particular attention of this work was to study the effect of using pine bark as a mulch layer and foliar application with the plant stimulant Wuxal® Ascofol (3% Boron) on selected bioactive compounds (polyphenols and pectins) of blueberry fruits.

The results represented a stress-preventive effect of mulch application. Furthermore, these plants exhibited lower calcium content in fruits due to a reduced calcium uptake from the soil. With regard to the bioactive compounds, mulched plants showed a higher content of pectin which was in contrast to the phenolic compounds. They revealed reduced concentrations in fruits accompanied by a lower antioxidant activity. The foliar supply of boron was able to inactivate polyphenols presumably by complex formation and favoured the formation of pectins.

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Published

2012-03-05

Issue

Vol. 84 No. 1 (2011): Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality

Section

Article

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