Abstract
To obtain fundamental data for improving Crataegus fruit trees, the chemical components in fruits from three Crataegus species (C. pinnatifida Bge., C. dahurica Koehne and C. maximowiczii Schneid.) originating in east Asia were examined. High concentrations of β-carotene (2.2-2.4 mg/100 gFW) were detected in fruits of each species, showing values higher than those of major fruit trees. Oxalic acid was detected at concentrations of 103.9-116.1 mg/100 gFW and was a typical organic acid in Charaegus fruits. The concentration of α-tocopherol (6.6-9.0 mg/100 gFW), citric acid (426.3 mg/100 gFW), anthocyanin (283.1 mg/100 gFW) and total polyphenol (769.0 mg/100 gFW) in C. maximowiczii fruits were much higher than those of other species. C. maximowiczii seems to be a useful parent for breeding new Crataegus cultivars with abundant functional elements.
