The First Report on Alternate Bearing of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.): Change in Total Carbohydrate and Phenolic Contents

Abstract

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruit is an important source of anthocyanins and is used for consumption and in medicine. However, fruit production of barberry is not regular. Two experiments in four locations were conducted on this plant to explore if it is alternate bearer and also to investigate carbohydrates and phenolics contents in leaves and shoots during growth season. Evaluation of barberry shrubs in three different location showed strong alternate bearing. The value of leaf number to berry number ratio was small. A correlation was found between tree age and alternate bearing index (ABI), because elder shrubs exhibited more ABI. Total carbohydrates and phenolics contents in vegetative organs showed an increase during the fruit setting stage, except for the carbohydrates in shoots. The highest value of carbohydrates was observed 10 days after leaf appearance and then decrease. ON bearing shrubs showed the highest value of total carbohydrates content in leaves during fruit setting stage, after which it decreased. However, OFF bearing shrubs indicated a reducing trend in this variable. In both bearing statuses (ON and OFF trees), total carbohydrates decreased with season progression. It is concluded that this plant is strongly alternate bearer and this characteristic may be related to carbohydrates and phenolics changes in leaf and shoot organs.

Effects of Gibberellic Acid on Total Carbohydrate of Shoots, VegetativeGrowth and Flower Production in Barberry Plants

“…asperma [2,3]. Although barberries were reported to produce a good crop almost annually [4], we showed that barberry plants are strong alternate bearers, as the alternate bearing index (ABI) ranged from 0.63-0.71 depending on orchard location and from 0.42 to 0.69 depending on plant age [5]; the disorder increases with age and becomes more evident after 20 years [6]. Gibberellic acid has been reported to influence morphological traits, flowering, fruiting and various processes in many fruit crops [7][8][9].…”