Summary
This field trial compared the phytochemical profiles of thirteen Japanese plum cultivars grown under organic and conventional management in south-western Spain over two consecutive seasons. Organic management significantly enhanced polyphenol and anthocyanin concentrations and antioxidant capacity, though carotenoid content was unaffected by management system. Cultivar choice and year of production also substantially influenced biofunctional quality, suggesting complex interactions between production system, genetics, and environmental factors.
Regional applicability
Findings are from southern Spain and may have limited direct transferability to United Kingdom horticultural conditions, particularly regarding temperature, solar radiation, and growing season length. However, the comparative methodology and identification of organic management effects on plum phytochemistry could inform UK organic fruit production standards and cultivar selection research.
Key measures
Total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, total carotenoids, organic acids (malic, citric, tartaric, succinic, shikimic, ascorbic, fumaric), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS assays)
Outcomes reported
The study compared phytochemical composition (polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, organic acids, and antioxidant capacity) across thirteen Japanese plum cultivars grown under organic and conventional management over two seasons. Culture system significantly affected most measured parameters except total carotenoid content, with organic-grown plums showing higher polyphenol and anthocyanin concentrations and greater antioxidant capacity.
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