Resveratrol content in strawberry fruit is affected by preharvest conditions

This study investigated the occurrence of resveratrol in Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne and the effect of preharvest conditions on resveratrol content. Both cis- and trans-resveratrol were detected in strawberry achenes (seeds) and pulp (receptacle tissue). Resveratrol was found to be higher in achenes than in fruit pulp. The levels of resveratrol were affected by genotype variations, fruit maturation, cultural practices, and environmental conditions. High growing temperature (25 and 30 degrees C) or enriched CO2 in the atmosphere significantly enhanced resveratrol content of strawberries. Advancing maturation also increased resveratrol content. The mature pulp and achenes contained higher amounts of resveratrol than the immature fruit. Adding compost as a soil supplement or preharvest application of methyl jasmonate (MJ) also significantly enhanced the level of resveratrol in strawberry fruit. Among the plants grown in hill plasticulture, fruits of 'Ovation (B28)', 'Mohawwk', 'Earliglow', and 'B35' had higher amounts of resveratrol than fruits of other genotypes. 'Ovation' contained the highest amount of resveratrol among strawberreis grown in matted row, whereas 'Latestar' contained the least. Ten of 14 tested genotypes (all except 'Allstar', 'Delmarvel', 'Northeaster', and 'MEUS 8') had higher amounts of resveratrol when grown in hill plasticulture compared to matted row.