Yield and fruit quality of 'Meeker' raspberry from conventional and organic cultivation systems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the yield and fruit quality characteristics of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivar ʽMeeker' grown in organic and conventional cultivation systems. The total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity of raspberry fruits were assessed. The analyses showed that raspberry yields per cane were significantly higher in the conventional cultivation system. In contrast, fruits from organic farming had higher antioxidant levels. The findings of this study indicated that organic farming in the study region increased raspberry quality, but decreased yield, as compared to conventional farming.