Variation of Meyer Lemon Bioactives Grown Under Organic Vs Conventional Cultivation Practices

In recent years, organic citrus cultivation has increased to significant proportions worldwide. Research in our lab and elsewhere has shown that citrus bioactives have antioxidant, and anti-proliferative properties. Clinical trials have demonstrated prevention of cardiovascular disease by intake of citrus flavonoids. Meyer lemons (Citrus meyeri Y. Tan.) grown under similar climatic conditions by organic and conventional management practices in South Texas were harvested and stored at  8-10º C for simulating the storage marketing conditions.  Fruits were processed and evaluated for flavonoids, amines, and organic acids using high performance liquid chromatography by C₁₈ column. Total phenolics were determined by Folin Ciocalteu method and expressed as catechin equivalents. Our results indicate that organically grown lemons contain significantly high content of hesperidin, didymin and ascorbic acid than those cultivated under conventional management practices. Total phenolic content was higher but not significantly different in organic lemons compared to conventionally grown. Results suggest that organically grown Meyer lemons are an ideal source for enhanced levels of flavonoids and ascorbic acid. To the best of our knowledge, the concentration of bioactive components in organically grown Meyer lemons is reported for the first time. The present research report is based on work supported by the “Designing Foods for Health” through USDA CSREES Grant # 2009-34402-19831.