Impact of fertilization on the antioxidant activity and mineral composition of red raspberry berries of cv. 'Meeker'

Abstract

The present study focused on the influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers on berry quality attributes (contents of total anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-glucorutinoside and macro- and microelements, total antioxidant capacity and DPPH scavenging activity) of cv. 'Meeker' red raspberry during three consecutive years under western Serbian conditions. We used organo-mineral pelleted NPK fertilizer commercially named 'Excell Orga' (Excell), soluble crystalline complex fertilizer commercially named 'Scotts Solinure 1' (Scotts), water-soluble granulated compound fertilizer commercially named 'Multi Comp Base' (MCB), well-rotted cattle manure as an organic fertilizer and control (without fertilization). Obtained results showed that secondary metabolites and mineral elements evaluated in berries significantly varied between fertilizers application and between years, respectively. Among fertilizers, the best impact on properties investigated was found with MCB and Scotts. The weakest effect on properties investigated was found with Excell and cattle manure application, but the effect was stronger than with the control treatment. The best values of properties evaluated were achieved in the rainy year 2014. However, in most cases the interaction fertilizer x year was significant confirming the complex nature of accumulation of bioactive compounds and minerals in berries and behavior of fertilizers through seasons.