Nutraceutical Profile Characterization in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Fruits

This study characterizes the metabolomic profiles of three reference apricot cultivars ('Bergeron', 'Currot', and 'Goldrich') using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and untargeted UPLC-QToF MS/MS to support plant breeding by correlating metabolomic data with fruit phenotyping. The primary objective was to identify and quantify the key metabolites influencing fruit quality from a nutraceutical perspective. The analysis revealed significant differences in primary and secondary metabolites among the cultivars. 'Bergeron' and 'Goldrich' exhibited higher concentrations of organic acids (109 mg/g malate in 'Bergeron' and 202 mg/g citrate in 'Goldrich'), flavonoids such as epicatechin (0.44 mg/g and 0.79 mg/g, respectively), and sucrose (464 mg/g and 546 mg/g), contributing to their acidity-to-sugar balance. Conversely, 'Currot' showed higher levels of amino acids (24.44 mg/g asparagine) and sugars, particularly fructose and glucose (79 mg/g and 180 mg/g), enhancing its characteristic sweetness. These findings suggest that metabolomic profiling can provide valuable insights into the biochemical pathways underlying apricot quality traits, aiding in the selection of cultivars with desirable characteristics. The integration of phenotyping data with ¹H NMR and UPLC-QToF MS/MS offers a comprehensive approach to understanding apricot metabolomic diversity, crucial for breeding high-quality, nutritionally enriched fruits that meet market demands.