Scholarly record

BIOCHEMICAL MODIFICATION AND HARVESTING OPTIMIZATION: A STUDY OF FOUR SEA BUCKTHORN VARIETIES

Ancuta Chetrariu, Ionut Avramia, Adriana Dabija, Irina Dianu, Artur macari

Abstract

Sea buckthorn is a heliophilous species valued for its nutrient-rich orange berries, which find extensive applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural industries. This study monitored four specific cultivars: Dora, Cora, Mara, and Clara, grown in the Republic of Moldova over a 60-day period (August to September). The research focused on tracking the evolution of primary ripening indicators: vitamin C, total carotenoids, and organic acid content. Ascorbic acid, a vital bioactive component, showed a consistent decline as the fruit matured. While the Clara, Dora, and Mara varieties experienced a 2.5-fold decrease in concentration, the Cora variety exhibited a more severe fourfold reduction, highlighting significant genetic variability in nutrient retention. The synthesis of carotenoids, the pigments responsible for the berries' antioxidant properties, was highly variety-specific. Clara, Dora, and Mara reached peak concentrations in late August before declining due to overripening. In contrast, the Cora variety showed a continuous upward trend, peaking at the end of the study period. Malic acid was identified as the dominant organic acid. Beyond defining the fruit's characteristic tart and astringent flavor, these acids play a crucial role in stabilizing the antioxidant matrix and enhancing the systemic absorption of polyphenols. The results demonstrate that the ripening stage profoundly dictates the biochemical fingerprint of sea buckthorn. The distinct behaviors observed among the four varieties suggest that harvest timing must be strategically aligned with the intended industrial use, whether the goal is to maximize vitamin C yield or optimize carotenoid extraction.

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