Content of sugar, titrated acids and biologically active substances in blackberries grown in the forest-steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract For the first time was assessed the quality of fruits of four varieties of American blackberries and one of Swiss and Serbian selection, grown in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The limits of variation of fruit mass, content of dry soluble substances, sugars, titrated acids, ascorbic acid, polyphenols and anthocyanins were established. The mass of blackberries varied within a minimum of 6.6 g of Asterina variety and a maximum of 8.2 g – Chester Thornless, the amount of soluble dry substances varied in the range of 9.4 (Cacanska Bestrna) – 15.1% (Heaven Can Wait), and sugars from 7.82 to 12.72% Kiowa and Chester Thornless varieties. The highest content of bioactive substances, in particular ascorbic acid, was accumulated by fruits of Kiowa and Heaven Can Wait varieties, the last of these, among the studied varieties, had the highest amount of polyphenolic substances 845 mg.100 g−1, variability of which was very low, corresponding to 8%. According to the look of the fruit, and in particular its mass, as well as taste, ratio of sugar to acid, there were highlighted varieties that have the prospect of widespread cultivation in industrial plantations, such as Chester Thornless and Chief Joseph. In order to conduct the selection process for the creation of varieties, whose fruits will have excellent marketable, consumer and preventive qualities (apart from the above-mentioned varieties) should be also involved with others, namely Heaven Can Wait and Kiowa.