INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION OF CAROTENOIDS AND VITAMIN C IN FRUITS OF 48 GENOTYPES OF ELAEAGNUS MULTIFLORA THUNB

Abstract

Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb. (cherry silverberry) is an underutilized fruit species with notable phytochemical potential. The study aimed to evaluate the variability of carotenoid and ascorbic acid contents among 48 genotypes of Elaeagnus multiflora grown under uniform environmental conditions at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, Kyiv, Ukraine, in order to identify promising genotypes for breeding and functional food applications. Carotenoid content ranged from 16.88 to 44.32 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), while ascorbic acid varied from 15.6 to 33.5 mg/100 g FW, demonstrating significant genotypic variation for both traits. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among genotypes for both carotenoid and vitamin C contents (p < 0.05). Certain genotypes (EM_03, EM_09, EM_25, EM_27) combined relatively high levels of both compounds and may be considered promising candidates for breeding and functional food applications. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified two main groups of accessions differing in their phytochemical profiles, while principal component analysis (F1: 52.67%; F2: 47.33%) further supported the observed pattern of biochemical differentiation. The results highlight meaningful diversity in nutritionally relevant compounds within the studied germplasm. Overall, E. multiflora represents a valuable genetic resource for fruit crop improvement. The identified variation among genotypes provides a basis for selecting elite material for breeding programs and for the development of nutritionally enhanced functional food products.