Variation in Phytochemical Composition of Black Currant Berries in Response to Climatic Factors

Abstract

This research evaluated the effect of climatic factors (air temperature and precipitation) on the polyphenol profile and potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in the berries of three black currant cultivars over 8 years. During berry formation and ripening, low air temperatures and high precipitation amounts had a stimulating effect on the biosynthesis of phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids and total antioxidant capacity. Conversely, moderate temperatures and low precipitation amounts promoted the accumulation of flavonoids, gallotannins, condensed tannins and antioxidative activity. Antimicrobial activity varied from 21.70 to 203.99 μg mL−1, depending on the year. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that the biochemical profile of the berry was determined not only by the genetic predisposition of the cultivar but also by climatic factors. A significant correlation was observed among polyphenolic compounds in the berries. This study demonstrates that climate factors have an important effect on the nutrient content in berries, which should be considered when choosing the location for black currant planting.