DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.2.4920
Original scientific paper
Dynamics of mineral nutrients in apple fruit cultivars during cold storage
2026, 27 (2) p. 452-475
Boris RILAK, Žaklina KARAKLAJIĆ-STAJIĆ, Mira MILINKOVIĆ, Ivan GLIŠIĆ, Jelena TOMIĆ, Svetlana PAUNOVIĆ, Tatjana ANĐELIĆ
Abstract
Apples are widely consumed and rich in phytochemicals beneficial to human health. This study examines changes in mineral content of five apple cultivars (‘Golden Delicious Reinders’, ‘Red Chief’, ‘Granny Smith’, ʻGlosterʼ, and ʻMorrenʼs Jonagoredʼ) during cold storage. Mineral compositions, including macro- [calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg)], and microelements [cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb)], were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry during harvest and different periods of cold storage, which is the dominant storage method in Serbia. The content of K, Ca, and Mg followed a regular accumulation pattern, with the highest levels observed after 120 days of storage. Cultivar/year interactions significantly affected the K/Ca and K+Mg/Ca ratios. Cu and Fe concentrations were highest in ʻGloster’ at harvest, while the lowest levels were found after 120 days of storage in the second year and in ʻGranny Smith’, respectively. Zn levels were highest in ʻMorrens Jonagored’ after 60 days, and Mn peaked in ʻGloster’. Pb concentrations increased during storage across all cultivars. This highlights the importance of monitoring nutrient levels to prevent quality issues during storage.
Keywords
apple fruit, mineral nutrition, storage physiology, K/Ca ratio, fruit quality
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