Summary
This multi-chemical profiling study of five strawberry cultivars grown under contrasting soilless cultivation systems and climatic conditions demonstrates that specific metabolites—notably anthocyanins, phenolic acids, sucrose and malic acid—serve as reliable cultivar biomarkers, whilst polyphenol accumulation responds to environmental and agronomic factors. The integration of comprehensive chemical characterization with chemometric approaches provides a framework for food traceability and authentication, establishing links between genotype, agronomic management and fruit composition.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Spain and employed commercial European strawberry cultivars under soilless (protected) systems common to Mediterranean and temperate European horticultural regions. Findings are likely transferable to United Kingdom protected cropping systems, though UK field conditions and variety preferences may differ; further validation with UK-grown cultivars and seasonal variation would strengthen local applicability.
Key measures
Sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, phenolic acids), essential and non-essential mineral elements; chemometric analysis for chemical descriptor selection
Outcomes reported
The study characterized chemical composition (sugars, organic acids, phenolics, minerals) across five strawberry cultivars grown in two cultivation systems over two seasons with varying climatic conditions. Anthocyanins, phenolic acids, sucrose and malic acid were identified as discriminant markers for cultivar differentiation, whilst polyphenol contents varied with climate and cultivation system.
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