ARS | Publication request: Black raspberry phytochemical research in North America

Submitted to: Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 8, 2012
Publication Date: June 15, 2012
Citation: Dossett, M., Lee, J., Finn, C.E. 2012. Black raspberry phytochemical research in North America. Meeting Brochure.

Technical Abstract: Our research group has focused on developing black raspberries with improved disease resistance and phytochemical traits over the last seven years. Recent interest in the rich color of black raspberries, and their historical use as an effective dye, derive from their anthocyanin composition and content. Our research indicates that wild black raspberry from more than 100 locations collected from across the United States and parts of Canada and grown in a common environment show a 25 fold difference in total anthocyanin content (39-996 mg·100 mL-1 expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside). Analysis of ellagitannins and other phytochemicals in many of these samples is currently underway, with the goal of breeding cultivars with enhanced phytochemical content and composition. In the course of this work, we also identified a unique naturally occurring mutant black raspberry lacking rutinoside-containing anthocyanins, providing an opportunity to study the genetic control anthocyanin modifications. Incorrect identification of some black raspberry anthocyanins and questions regarding the taxonomic identity of study plants has created confusion in the literature regarding the typical phytochemical composition of black raspberry fruit. Differences in morphology and phytochemicals between American black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.) and Korean black raspberry (R. coreanus Miq.) will be presented. In addition, more work is needed to further understand differences in bioavailability and bioactivity of specific phytochemicals to enable researchers to focus on the most important components of black raspberry fruit for human health.