Phenological, pomological and fruit chemical analysis of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) genotypes grown in Hungary

Elderberry is one of the most widely grown berry species in Hungary today. In practice its cultivation is based on a single cultivar, ‘Haschberg’, which could be the source of numerous problems. The aim is thus to breed varieties well adapted to Hungarian conditions, which give reliable yields and meet the requirements of the food industry. Seventeen wild genotypes collected from different parts of Hungary and 20 open-pollinated seedlings of ‘Haschberg’, ‘Sampo’ and ‘Samidan’ were examined in the gene bank of the NARIC Research Station in Fertőd in 2017 and 2018. The soluble solids content was found to range from 10.8 to 17.1 °Brix and the titratable acid content (as citric acid) from 0.5 to 1.0%. The values of free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) ranged from 36.69 to 49.51 μmol TE g^-1, the total anthocyanin content from 574.9 to 1038.8 mg Cy3-GE 100 g^-1 and the total phenolics content from 857.4 to 1332.9 mg GAE 100 g^-1. All the analytical parameters were expressed on a fresh weight basis. The results showed that the most valuable wild genotypes were ‘K.11’ and ‘K.16’ (which ripened in the first or second third of August) and ‘K.25’ (last third of August). After repeated selection, the most valuable types were found among the progeny of ‘Sampo’. Although the fruit cluster weight was lower than that of the female partner, the total soluble solids content, anthocyanin content and total polyphenol content exceeded those of the parents.