Bioactive/nutraceutical compounds in fruit that optimize human health benefits.

Fruits are an important part of the human diet and a major source of bioactive compounds (BCs) with human health benefits. Among different BCs present in fruits are polyphenols, carotenoids and some vitamins (C), which are all correlated with antioxidant potential of fruits. In the last thirty years, the genetic improvement of fruit trees has mainly been driven by productivity issues and consumers preference; the quality traits have only recently been recognized as important as the commercial ones. The nutraceutical characterization has become one issue to address when dealing with genetic improvement of fruits. The content of BCs in fruits can vary depending on different factors, primarily due to the genetic base, and the environmental conditions where fruit trees are cultivated. Effects of light, temperature, cultural practices, nutrient management, elicitors and biostimulants are presented here as outcomes on how research can contribute to enhance and improving sustainable crop production.

Il capitolo tratta dei composti bioattivi presenti nella frutta, in particolare polifenoli, carotenoidi e vitamina C. Il capitolo si inserisce nel volume 'Achieving sustainable cultivation of temperate zone tree fruits and berries', edito dal Prof. G. Lang, della Michigan State University, che ha invitato Federica Blando a contribuire al volume.