Comparative biochemical composition of garden strawberry fruits of the Asia variety under natural and artificial lighting

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to establish the effect of artificial ultraviolet lighting on the content of biolo-gically active substances in strawberry fruits using the example of the Asia variety, which is widely used in production. The study was conducted in 2019–2021 in the Lipetsk Region. Transplantation of strawberries under conditions of a growing season was carried out by already rooted adult bushes with a clod of earth. The water-air regime of the soil under artificial lighting conditions was similar to open ground. Under artificial lighting, garden strawberry plants of the Asia variety bloomed 10 days later, had a smaller fruit weight, and had a lower content of organic acids and dry soluble substances than under the sun. Plants accumulated the same amount of water-soluble pectin substances regardless of the nature of the lighting. The content of yellow coloring substances from the vitamin P group – flavonols, as well as binders from the same group – catechins in strawberry fruits did not depend on the nature of the lighting. Strawberry plants under ultraviolet light accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid as under sunlight. Compared to sunlight under artificial ultraviolet, strawberry fruits contained the least amount of pigments, including carotenoids and β-carotene. A significantly higher level of pectin substances, anthocyanins, tannins and coloring substances, including tannin, in strawberries under sunlight was established in comparison with artificial ultraviolet. Regardless of the nature of lighting, strawberry plants had the same water content and pH of the fruits and accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid, flavonols, catechins and water-soluble pectin substances.