Crab Apple (Malus spp.) Seed Tocopherol Profile: Impact of Genotype, Species, Purpose and Rootstock

Apples are one of the most popular crops in world, grown for fresh consumption, processing, and ornamental purposes. In present study, seeds thirty crab apple (Malus spp.) genotypes were analyzed to evaluate tocopherol composition find a crop-specific profile. The mean proportion (%) (T) homologues (α, β, γ, δ) was as follows: α-T (45.8%), β-T (21.8%), γ-T (24.3%), δ-T (8.1%) with content 22.41, 10.89, 12.35, 4.08 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. coefficient variation higher (0.748), (0.648) (0.540), about two times lower (0.320). total tocopherols varied much less studied (coefficient 0.164). predominant homologue twenty-four (33.4–79.0%), while (36.4–64.9%) remaining six genotypes. Principal component analysis identified groups based on Variety, purpose (ornamental vs. edible), species appear be associated Most Malus sp., M. × prunifolia, edible located characterized by twice over β-T, similar both (α-T β-T), cases sum constituted 80% tocopherols. Significant correlations among obtained: positive between δ-T, negative γ-T, β-T. These can explained biosynthetic pathway those lipophilic bioactive compounds.