The study presents concentrations of various minerals in the fruit of four genotypes of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) cultivated in central Poland. The fruit samples of two Polish clones (no. 5/6 and type S) and two Canadian cultivars (cvs.): Martin and Smoky, were used for examinations conducted in 2015-2016. Each year, the fruits used for the study were harvested manually at the optimal ripening phase, and immediately after harvest they were cooled, placed and stored in a freezer (-20°C) until the analysis of the composition was carried out. The above fruit genotypes were examined for the content of selected minerals on an ICP-OES Thermo iCAP Dual 6500 spectrometer, using a 3-point calibration curve for each element and optical adjustment based on internal models provided by yttrium and ytterbium ions. The Saskatoon berry fruit examined were found to have a high content of micro- and macroelements. Out of the elements determined, the highest values were recorded for the content of potassium, but phosphorus, magnesium and calcium were also pleniful.  The iron and zinc content was lower than in the literature data. As for heavy metals, no presence of lead, cadmium and chromium was detected, and  the berries contained only small amounts of nickel, molybdenum and copper. The findings showed that climate conditions during the years when the experiment was conducted affected the content of these minerals in analyzed fruit samples. Fruit of the testes Saskatoon berry genotypes may provide new functional food material to be used in the food industry and in production of dietary supplements.

24.4.2019