Chemical, functional and quality properties of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) as affected by mulching

The aim of this study was to contribute to the chemical, functional and qualitative characterisation of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina L., cv. Red Beaut, genotype “606”) cultivated with and without a mulching plastic by investigating the organic acids and sugars profiles, the total antioxidant activity and total polyphenols content, the volatile composition and the sensory profile. Results indicated that total sugars, organic acids contents and the total concentration of volatile compounds were slightly higher in plums from trees with the mulching plastic film being used as a cultural practice, although differences were not statistically significant. Sixteen compounds were isolated from the volatile fraction from six different chemical families: aldehydes, monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, acids and ketones. The major compounds in the volatile profile of plum juices were trans-linalool oxide, terpinolene, nonanal and α-terpineol. However, total antioxidant activity, total polyphenols content and the sweetness intensity were decreased by the use of the mulching plastic. Therefore, mulching with plastic materials with high light reflectance (e.g. white) seemed to be required to improve the quality of plums.

► Functional and qualitative characterisation of European plums cultivated with mulching plastic. ► Total sugars, organic acids and volatile compounds were higher in plums with plastic film. ► TAA, polyphenols content and sweetness intensity were decreased by the use of the mulching.