Effects of preharvest melatonin and boric acid applications on the pomological and biochemical characteristics of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. ‘Camellia’)

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Okatan V., Ünal N., Kalkan P., Urfalı M., Kalkan H., Selvi T., ...Daha Fazla

NOTULAE BOTANICAE HORTI AGROBOTANICI CLUJ-NAPOCA, cilt.53, sa.4, ss.1-14, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 53 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.15835/nbha53414837
  • Dergi Adı: NOTULAE BOTANICAE HORTI AGROBOTANICI CLUJ-NAPOCA
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-14
  • Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The application of boric acid and melatonin in blueberry cultivation has recently gained attention for

their potential to enhance fruit quality and biochemical stability. Boric acid and melatonin contribute to cell

wall integrity, pollen tube development, and nutrient transport, whereas melatonin, a bioactive compound

with strong antioxidant properties, improves stress tolerance and supports fruit quality. In this study, the

synergistic effects of foliar applications of boric acid (0, 5, 10, 15 ppm), melatonin (0, 5, 10, 15 ppm), and some

combinations (0, 2.5+2.5, 5+5, 7.5+7.5 ppm) at early bloom, full bloom, and post-bloom stages were

investigated on the pomological and biochemical traits of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv.

‘Camellia’). The combined treatment of 5+5 ppm melatonin + boric acid produced the highest ascorbic acid

content, while the 7.5+7.5 ppm combination significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Boric acid alone at 5

and 10 ppm also improved antioxidant capacity. Although no significant differences were observed in fruit size

or firmness, the treatments notably influenced titratable acidity, anthocyanin accumulation, and ascorbic acid

content. These findings indicate that preharvest melatonin and boric acid applications can modulate key

biochemical attributes, such as ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, thereby improving the

nutritional and functional quality of highbush blueberry fruits.