Organoleptic, nutritional and anti-carcinogenic characteristics of the fruit and rooting performance of cuttings of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes

BACKGROUND: Black mulberry fruits have high antioxidant capacity, exhibiting health protective properties. In order to exploit their entire dynamic though, elite genotypes must be vegetatively propagated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess the physiological, organoleptic, phytochemical and anti-carcinogenic (only of the best two genotypes) properties of eleven new black mulberry genotypes, compared to the elite hybrid Fengchisang and the possibility of easy asexual propagation through semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. METHODS: Fruits from eleven genotypes were analyzed for their organoleptic and physiological characteristics as well as for their total phenol, o-diphenol, flavonoid, flavanol, anthocyanin content and their organic acid and sugar composition. The best two were also tested for anti-carcinogenic properties. Furthermore, the rooting potential of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings was also investigated. RESULTS: The genotypes differed regarding fruit characteristics and rooting potential. The principal component analysis lead to a grouping of genotypes, while one, ANS8, was grouped separately, exhibiting high antioxidant capacity and phenol content. ANS8 genotype reduced cancer cells viability more efficiently compared to Fengchisang. CONCLUSIONS: The ANS8 genotype exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, higher than Fengchisang and better anti-carcinogenic properties, which along with the ease of rooting, may become a valuable source of health promoting phytochemicals.