Characterization of Slovenian apples with respect to their botanical and geographical origin and agricultural production practice

• Published in: Food technology and biotechnology Vol. 50; no. 1; p. 107
• Main Authors: Bat, Karmen Bizjak, Vidrih, Rajko, Necemer, Marijan, Vodopivec, Branka Mozetic, Mulic, Ines, Kump, Peter, Ogrinc, Nives
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zagreb Sveuciliste U Zagrebu 01.01.2012; Sveuciliste u Zagrebu, Prehramheno-Biotehnoloski Fakultet; University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology
• Subjects: Agricultural biotechnology; Agricultural geography; agricultural practice; Agricultural practices; Agricultural production; Antioxidants; Apple; Apples; Ascorbic acid; botanical origin; Botany; Carbon dioxide; Environmental aspects; Fertilizers; Fruit juices; Fruits; Geographical distribution; geographical origin; Isotopes; Phenols; Physical training; Phytogeography; Pulp; Retinoblastoma protein; stable isotopes; Sugar; total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry; Slovenia
• ISSN: 1330-9862; 1334-2606

The objective of this preliminary study is to demonstrate that the combination of multi-element analysis, several isotopic ratios ([sup.13]C/[sup.12]C, [sup.15]N/[sup.14]N, [sup.18]O/[sup.16]O, ²H/¹H) and selected chemical and physical parameters (fruit mass, antioxidant activity, content of ascorbic acid and total phenols) can be used to differentiate the varieties of Slovenian apples, the geographical location of their growth and agricultural practice. The stable isotope parameters in sugar, pulp, protein and water were shown to be the most significant variables in this regard. Botanical origin (cultivar) was found to have a major influence on the δ[sup.13]C and δ[sup.15]N values of proteins and the δ[sup.18]O and δD values of water. Geographical regions were well separated based on the δ[sup.18]O and δD values in water and the concentrations of Rb and S in fruit juice. The most significant variables to distinguish between organically and conventionally cultivated fruits were found to be [sup.15]N/[sup.14]N ratio and antioxidant activity. In addition, significant differences were also observed in ascorbic acid content. Key words: apples, stable isotopes, total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry, botanical origin, geographical origin, agricultural practice, Slovenia