The Effect of Production Systems on Strawberry Quality

Abstract

Strawberry with high polyphenols is receiving much more attentions recently. Production systems were reported positive effect on improving crop quality. A complete random-ized design with two replicates was employed, and the strawberry selection 'SJ8976-1' was planted under three production systems: matted row system (MRS), plastic mulch (PM) and plastic mulch with row covers (PMRC). Total yield, average fruit weight, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), firmness, fruit postharvest quality, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant content (TAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and phenolic composition analysed by high-performance liquid chro-matography (HPLC) were evaluated at different harvest times. The results showed that PMRC advanced fruit maturity and improved average fruit weight compared to MRS. SSC, TA and firmness of the strawberry fruits from PMRC were significantly increased at all harvests. Fruit weight loss, juice leakage and presences of grey mould were lower, and fruit glossiness was higher for those harvested under PMRC than those from MRS. TPC, TAC and ORAC of strawberry were significantly changed under different production systems. The phenolic compounds assessed in strawberry were grouped into six major categories, which were anthocyanins, kaempferol, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, ellagic acid and benzoic acids.