Metabolite accumulation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) fruits and runners in response to Colletotrichum nymphaeae infection

• Colletotrichum nymphaeae infection caused a significant decrease in organic acid content.
• Ellagic acid derivatives and flavanols increased after infection.
• The increase of flavonols was highest in white fruits.
• The content of total flavanols was highest in mature fruits.
• Phenolic accumulation in strawberry runners was altered by C. nymphaeae.

The composition of non-infected and Colletotrichum nymphaeae infected strawberry fruits (cultivar ‘Asia') in three different stages of ripeness were evaluated. Additionally, the effect of infection on strawberry runners was monitored. C. nymphaeae infection caused a significant increase in total sugar content in mature fruits (1.1 fold) and a decrease in total sugar content in semi-mature fruits (1.4 fold) and organic acid content in all stages of ripeness (1.7 fold). Ellagic acid derivatives (1.9 fold), flavanols (1.5 fold) and flavonols (5.1 fold) significantly increased during all stages of ripeness after infection. The pattern of phenolic accumulation in strawberry runners was altered by C. nymphaeae infection in contrast to strawberry fruits as most of identified phenols decreased as a response to the infection.