Bioactive compounds in fruits of newly introduced sweet cherry cultivars in Herzegovina

This study evaluated the biochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of 3 newly introduced Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Sweet Valina, Sweet Stephany, and Sweet Gabriel) grown under the agroecological conditions of Herzegovina (Mostar and Trebinje). The analysis included total soluble solids, total acidity, sweetness index, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity in fruit skin and flesh. Significant differences were observed among cultivars, locations, and their interactions for most analyzed parameters. Fruits from Trebinje generally exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents in the skin, soluble solids contents, and sweetness index values. Sweet Valina, particularly at the Trebinje location, showed the highest total soluble solids (20.5%) and sweetness index value (51.25), indicating superior fruit quality. Sweet Stephany was distinguished by elevated total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in the fruit skin. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained nearly 80% of total variability, with sweetness index and antioxidant-related traits contributing most strongly to cultivar differentiation. The results demonstrate good adaptability of the tested cultivars to the conditions of Herzegovina, with Sweet Valina standing out as the most promising cultivar in terms of fruit quality and bioactive potential.