Steviol glycosides content in cultivated Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni: A new sweet expectation from the Campania region (Italy)

The Steviol Glycosides enriched fraction (SG-f), isolated as a white powder, consisted in seven SGs, whose identity was confirmed by tandem MS experiments. Thus, SG-f samples from plants differently irrigated, and harvested at the considered phenological stages were prepared. The application of MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) analysis mode favored the relative quantitation of each SG. Data acquired highlighted that SGs were produced similarly under both irrigation and drought stress conditions, but irrigation management exerted a greater influence on dry leaf matter productivity. In fact, SG-f extraction yield (kg per ha) was 6.9-fold higher from T100 than from T0 plants. The local production of high quality Stevia plants rich in active ingredients and their purification could also encourage new scientific programs for new “km 0” sweet expectations.