Phytochemical properties of local and introduced apricot cultivars grown under organic cultivation system in Tunisia

Purpose: Organic apricots are perceived to be healthier than conventional ones. In Tunisia, comparative studies on the phytochemical properties of these fruits are scarce. This work aimed to identify organically grown apricot cultivar(s) with high nutritional value for human health. Phytochemical compounds of organically apricots in local (‘Oud Rhayem’, ‘Oud Hmida’ and ‘Oud Aouicha’) and introduced (‘Ninfa’ and ‘Mogador’) cultivars were investigated. Research Method: Polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids analysis were performed for ۳ lots of ۱۰mixed fruits each. Findings: Significant variability in phytochemical properties was obtained between the studied cultivars. ‘Mogador’ was found to be superior for most phytochemical compounds: β-carotene (۰.۰۵mg/۱۰۰g fresh mass), total phenolics (≥۱۵۴ mg GAE/۱۰۰ g of fresh mass) and total flavonoids (۲۷mg catechin/۱۰۰ g fresh mass). Furthermore, highest phenolics content was found in ‘Oud Aouicha’ and ‘Oud Hmida’ (≥۱۶۰ mg GAE/۱۰۰ g fresh mass). The highest anthocyanins content was obtained in ‘Oud Aouicha’ and ‘Ninfa’ (۷۱ and ۶۲.۵ mg cyaniding-۳-glucoside /۱۰۰g fresh mass, respectively). In conclusion, ‘Mogador’ could be selected as the performing apricot genotype including the most phytochemicals components. Nevertheless, ‘Ninfa’, ‘Oud Aouicha’ and ‘Oud Hmida’ showed good accumulation of many antioxidant components. Research limitations: Further researches on other genotypes are required. Originality/Value: This study is original related to the phytochemical properties of local and introduced organic apricots. The results can be considered as a preliminary database of the nutritional facts of organic apricots and they could help breeders to select genotypes with large antioxidant capacity of fruit related to the health benefits.