Comparative study of biological and nutritional traits of Rubus genotypes

A two year survey of 225 raspberry and 33 blackberry accessions was conducted for several parameters for varietals comparison and characterization for fresh market and processing. The traits investigated were related to morphological, phenological and horticultural aspects, antioxidant properties, and tolerance to the important diseases. Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) infestation was recorded every 15 days on the primocanes and floricanes of the raspberry accessions. Resseliella theobaldi (Raspberry Cane Midge - RCM) tolerance was also investigated. There was significant variability among the cultivars for fruit quality, yield components, and shelf life on both subjective and objective scales. Fresh fruit quality was assessed on experimental sensory descriptors, including appearance, aroma, flavour, taste and general quality attributes. Furthermore, consumer science techniques were used to support the marketing of novel juices based on squeezed fruit without a stabilization treatment. The juices were conceived to exploit the sensory and nutritional peculiarities of fresh fruits. Measurements for total polyphenols reactive to the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and total anthocyanins by HPLC-UV were performed on all accessions