Genotype and environment synergistically determine the polyphenolic composition and functional activity of highbush blueberries

TL;DR

This study shows that both the genetic makeup and the growing location of highbush blueberries strongly influence their health-benefiting polyphenol content and antioxidant properties.

Contribution

The study reveals significant genotype-by-origin interactions affecting polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in blueberries.

Findings

German-sourced blueberry cultivars generally had higher anthocyanin and polyphenol levels than Polish-sourced ones.

Genotype and origin interact synergistically to determine antioxidant capacity and fruit color.

Authentication and source-aware selection are recommended for breeding and functional food applications.

Abstract

This study evaluated how genotype and origin shape the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of highbush blueberries grown under harmonized orchard conditions (19 genotypes, including somaclonal variants). Comprehensive profiling covered phenolic subclasses (anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols), antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and color (CIE L*), supported by multivariate analyses. Key results with numerical context. Among cultivars, Brigitta and Draper showed the highest totals of polyphenols (≈511.8–517.3) and anthocyanins (≈310.9–311.5). When comparing matched cultivar names by origin, German-sourced lines generally contained more anthocyanins and polyphenols than Polish-produced counterparts: for Duke, anthocyanins 208.4 vs 78.7–152.2 and polyphenols 401.2 vs 236.9–363.5; for Patriot, 286.9 vs 65.2–245.2 and 495.8 vs 293.5–409.0; for Sunrise, 258.8 vs 172.8–221.5 and 424.6 vs 342.0–411.1 (ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.05 where indicated in tables). Antioxidant assays reflected these patterns with cultivar-dependent nuances: for example, Duke from Poland (DK10) showed higher ABTS (28.0) than the German source (11.1), whereas DPPH differences were modest for Patriot (≈13.8–14.1). Color supported the chemistry: Polish-produced fruits were lighter on average (higher CIE L*), consistent with lower anthocyanins. Genotype × origin interactions are decisive for blueberry chemotype and antioxidant properties. The quantitative differences reported here strengthen the case for authentication and source-aware selection in breeding, nursery supply, and raw-material procurement for functional food applications.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-23613-8.

Figures