Biofertilizer from vermicompost and microorganisms: effect on strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry phytochemical profile

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this research was to compare the effect of conventional fertilization (control) and conventional fertilization supplemented with biofertilizer (‘Biovermix’) based on vermicompost and microorganisms (treatment), on the nutritional value of different berry species: strawberry (‘Senga Sengana’), blackberry (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) and blueberry (‘Aurora’). The results showed that biofertilization positively affected fruit weight (8.8 g), soluble solids content (8.9°Bx), sugars (65.6 g kg− 1 FW) and all identified phenolic groups (phenolic acids, flavanols, flavonols and anthocyanins) in blackberry fruits. Significantly higher fruit weight (15.5 g), total sugars and organic acids content (62.4 and 14.5 g kg− 1 FW, respectively) and flavanones content (20.06 mg 100 g− 1 FW) in strawberries fruits were confirmed in biofertilization treatment. Biofertilizer supplementing exhibited the highest effectiveness in terms of the organic acid (21.0 g kg− 1 FW) and anthocyanins (153.26 mg 100 g− 1 FW) composition in blueberry fruits. Therefore, the use of biofertilizers as supplements to conventional fertilization can be considered an appropriate practice to ensure soil biological activity, which has an indirect positive effect on the sensory and nutritive value of the tested berry species.