The effects of fertilizer rate on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality, with special respect to pigments, in black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) cv. 'Viking'

The effect of fertilizer rate on fruit quality parameters in the black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx] Ell.) cv. 'Viking' was studied over three years. A combined N-P-K fertilizer was applied in different rates. Plant height, yield, berry weight, anthocyanin content, content of brown compounds, content of soluble solids, anthocyanin composition and total acidity were recorded for the different treatments. Increased application of fertilizers resulted in increased vegetative growth and yield whereas the content of anthocyanins and total acidity decreased. Mean berry weight, content of brown compounds, soluble solids and anthocyanin composition were unaffected. Correlations between the different parameters were calculated at single plant level. Positive correlations were found between plant height and yield, between plant height and browning index, and between anthocyanin content and total acidity. Negative correlations were found between plant heighten one hand, and anthocyanin content and total acidity on the other hand. It was concluded that an increased fertilizer application results in increased growth and higher yield whereas pigment content and total acidity decrease. Maximum production of anthocyanins per plant was obtained with a medium high fertilizer rate (50 kg N/ha, 44 kg P/ha, 100 kg K/ha). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.