Physicochemical Properties of Geographical Indication (GI) Sweet Cherries in China and Their Influencing Factors of Cultivar, Climate Type, and Soil Condition

Abstract

As one of the fruits widely planted in China, the quality of sweet cherries is affected by various factors. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of geographical indication (GI) sweet cherries grown in China and to analyze the effects of cultivars, climate types, and soil conditions on their quality traits. Twenty-two parameters of nine cherry samples and their planted soil properties were analyzed through a descriptive analysis and correlation analysis. There were significant differences in the physiochemical traits. Notable positive correlations between the fruit weight and its size, rate of edibility, and flavonoid content were shown. The Univariate-General Line Model exhibited that weight, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and total phenolic content (TPC) were mainly influenced by both the cultivar and climate type, while only the cultivar affected the maturity index (MI). Soil condition parameters were significantly different for each sample. Based on the established linear regression models, it was found that soil P had a positive impact on SSC and TA, but a negative effect on TPC (p < 0.05). On the other hand, soil K had a negative effect on TA but a positive impact on TPC (p < 0.05).