Effect of soil management systems on the generative potential and fruit quality of black chokeberry

Abstract

This experiment evaluated the effect of soil management systems (bare soil and black foil mulch) on the generative potential (number of clusters per inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, number of berries per cluster, berry set percentage, cluster weight, berry weight, yield per bush, yield per unit area) and fruit quality (soluble solids content, total sugars, total acids, pH value and protein content) in black chokeberry [Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott] of cultivar 'Nero'. Significant differences in generative potential were detected among soil management systems. The experimental results showed that black foil mulch, due to its ability to increase temperature and moisture in the soil directly led to an increase in the number of clusters per inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence and number of berries per cluster. In contrast, bare soil, with lower soil water content and temperature stimulated an increase in the cluster weight and berry weight, as well as yields per bush and per unit area. Also, soil management systems had a significant effect on the chemical composition of the fruit. Black foil mulch promoted the synthesis of soluble solids, sugars and protein, while bare soil favoured the accumulation of acids in chokeberries. Generally, the results suggested that black chokeberry grow well under varied soil management systems, and indicated that soil management systems had a significant effect on the generative potential and fruit quality.