Influence of Foliar Application with Gibberellic Acid on Phenolic and Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry Fruits

In present study, effects of foliar GA3 treatments on phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamin C content and agro-morphological characteristics of 5 strawberry cultivars were investigated. Principle component analysis was also performed to assess the variations in and relationships between bioactive compounds contents of cultivars treated with GA(3). Although they varied depending on cultivars, the highest organic acid contents were generally determined in fruits treated with 50 ppm GA3. Both GA(3) treatments increased vitamin C contents in 'Albion' and 'Aromas' but decreased in 'Seascape' fruits. GA treatment caused significant change in some phenolic compounds content. While 100 ppm GA(3) treatment significantly increased catechin content of 'Albion' and 'Aromas', it decreased catechin content of 'Seascape' fruits. Results of PCA analysis showed that 'Sweet Ann' differ from other cultivars by poor ascorbic and fumaric acid content. 'Albion' and 'Honeoye' differ from other cultivars by high p-coumaric and low ellagic acid contents.