Variations in polyphenol content and anthocyanin composition in bilberry populations (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) due to environmental factors

Anthocyanins are natural pigments belonging to the flavonoid group, subclasses of polyphenol compounds. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a commercially important wild berry species, which accumulates high quantities of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins in the skin and flesh. This research aimed to evaluate the total anthocyanins content (TA) and anthocyanin composition profile of fruits in thirty wild bilberry populations from five regions of northern Montenegro. Total anthocyanin content in examined wild bilberries ranged from 236 to 656 mg/100 g. Delphinidin was found to be the most abundant aglycone, followed by cyanidin. Regions at higher altitudes (1129–1699 m) and with high UV radiation (0.370–0.480 W/m²) had higher values of anthocyanins. There were significant variations in anthocyanin content within and between the populations, indicating differences in berry raw material. Variations in the anthocyanin content expressed in different bilberry populations from various regions are a result of the cumulative effects of genotype and environment. [Display omitted] •Anthocyanins content in bilberries varies due to genotype and environment.•Regions at higher altitudes and with high UV radiation had higher anthocyanins values.•Significant variation in anthocyanin content exists within and between populations.