Cultivar variation in growth, productivity, and phytochemical profiles of black, red, and white currants during an unusually warm growing season

This study aims to assess the adaptation potential of nine currant cultivars (six black, one red, and two white) with different pedigrees by evaluating their growth characteristics (vegetative and generative potential), productivity, and biochemical fruit profile (sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds). The study was conducted in 2018, an exceptionally warm growing season in Serbia. Despite these conditions, considerable cultivar-specific variation was observed in productivity, fruit quality, and bioactive composition. ‘Čačanska Crna’ exhibited superior vegetative growth, while ‘Ben Lomond’ demonstrated the highest yield and total acidity (4.14 kg/plant and 53.51 mg/g). High levels of sugars were found in ‘Titania’ (107.77 mg/g), and phenolic content was recorded in ‘Tiben’ and ‘Ben Sarek’ (223.9 and 242.9 mg/100 g). The white and red currant cultivars had low levels of both primary and secondary metabolites but a favorable sugar/acid ratio, high hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid contents, yield efficiency, and clusters bearing numerous attractive berries. The results demonstrate the importance of selecting cultivars with favourable combinations of productivity and fruit-quality traits for their intended use.