Influence of in vitro and ex vitro propagation on anthocyanin content and anti-oxidant activity of lingonberries

The fruit yields, anthocyanin contents and anti-oxidant activities of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) cultivars 'Splendor' and'Erntedank' were studied after being propagated either by conventional softwood cuttings (SC) or by in vitro adventitious shoot regeneration from excised leaves of micropropagated shoots (TC). A significant interaction between propagation method and cultivar was observed for berry anti-oxidant activity. After 4 years of growth, the TC plants produced berries with more anti-oxidant activity, although berry diameter, number and yield per plant were higher in SC plants. The three dominant lingonberry anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyaniditi-3-arabinoside) were not affected by propagation method. 'Erntedank' out-yielded 'Splendor' for berry production, and produced more, but smaller berries with a higher anti-oxidant activity than those of 'Splendor'.