Abstract
The aim of the study was to characterize the growth and reproductive characteristics of four in vitro propagated goji berry varieties (JB1, JB 2, JB 4, JB 10) of the species (Lycium barbarum L.) and antioxidant properties of their fruits.The experiment was set in 2014 in the experimental base of the Department of Fruit Growing at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv. The results are for the period 2017-2019. Growth and quality indicators were studied, as well as the amount of total polyphenols and total flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant activity of the fruit. On average for the study period, variety JB1 emerged as the most productive, and the lowest yields were obtained from JB10. The data were processed by the method of analysis of variance.
There are differences in the content of total polyphenols and flavonoids in the fruits of the studied varieties, and hence in their antioxidant activity. Variety JB 10 is characterized by the highest content of total polyphenols – 278 mg/100g and the highest ORAC value – 89.7 μmol TE/g.
Keywords: goji berry, Lycium barbarum L., growth, yield, antioxidant activity.