Fruit quality in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is influenced by genetic factors and cultural practices, but the specific impact of rootstocks and harvest season on key fruit traits is underexplored.
Objective
This study aimed to assess how rootstocks and harvest seasons affects main physical and chemical properties of sour cherry fruits.
Methods
Large fruited ‘Šumadinka’ sour cherry grafted on eight Prunus rootstocks was evaluated. Fruit traits were compared. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's correlations and principal component analysis (PCA).
Results
Rootstocks, harvest seasons and their interaction significantly affected all examined traits. Gisela 6 promoted the highest values of most physical properties, followed by Adara which also induced the highest antioxidant activity (ABTS) and dry matter content. Myrobalan induced the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. Regarding harvest season, the highest dry matter content, soluble solids, ripening index and pH values were observed in 2019, whereas the highest titratable acidity, anthocyanins and ABTS values were registered in 2020.
Conclusions
These findings contribute to a better understanding of effects of rootstocks and weather conditions on fruit quality and provide valuable guidance for orchard management aimed at optimizing external and internal fruit quality of sour cherry.
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