Changes in the content of anthocyanins, flavonols, and antioxidant activity in Fragaria ananassa var. Camarosa fruits under traditional and organic fertilization.

Background: Strawberries are consumed worldwide. In Chile, strawberry production has been established in Andisols, were phosphorus is scarce. Traditional fertilization (TF) and organic fertilization (OF) have both been established there. This study examined their impact on the polyphenolic content of strawberries.

Results: Two anthocyanins were identified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). The average total anthocyanin concentrations were found to be 651 mg kg fresh weight in 100% OF, which represents a 56% increase compared to fruits that were not fertilized. In the case of flavonols, only quercetin-rhamnoside was identified, and its concentration reached 14.6 mg kg with 100% OF. The ascorbic acid concentration reached 0.54 g kg in 50% TF (a 20% increase over fruits without fertilization, WF). The antioxidant activities slightly increased in the fruits subjected to TF and OF in comparison with WF treatment.

Conclusion: These results support a management strategy for obtaining the best quality and potential beneficial effects in health by increasing anthocyanins and other polyphenols under OF. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.