Impact of harvest date and year on the volatile and physicochemical properties of fresh-market blackberry cultivars

Fresh-market blackberries face challenges with inconsistent flavor, limiting consumer demand. This study examines how harvest date and environmental conditions impact the physicochemical and volatile profiles of three cultivars (Sweet-Ark® Ponca, Sweet-Ark® Caddo, and Ouachita) grown in Fayetteville, AR, during the 2022–2023 seasons. Using targeted and untargeted GC-MS/MS approach, 262 volatile compounds across 12 classes were identified. Increased rainfall and cooler temperatures in 2023 positively affected Ouachita and Sweet-Ark® Caddo's physical attributes but reduced Sweet-Ark® Ponca's firmness and weight. Sweet-Ark® Caddo exhibited the highest volatile content in 2022 (2991 μg/kg), driven by terpenes (1018.03 μg/kg), which declined in 2023 (236.72 μg/kg), likely due to environmental changes. Sweet-Ark® Ponca maintained consistent quality, while Sweet-Ark® Caddo and Ouachita showed significant variability across years and harvests. Analysis of covariance revealed that harvest year had the highest influence on the measured physicochemical parameters and volatile concentrations followed by cultivar and harvest date. • Volatile profile is influenced by harvest year, followed by cultivar and harvest date. • Environmental factors have a significant impact on fruit chemical and physical traits. • Terpenes and esters were the dominant chemical classes in blackberries. • Sweet-Ark® Ponca fruit maintained a consistent profile across two seasons.