Aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa) is also known as black chokeberry and is native to the United States (Figure 1). Because “chokeberry” did not market well as an edible fruit, much work was done within the industry to rebrand this fruit under the common name Aronia berry, derived from the genus name (Geiger, 2020). Aronia is a woody shrub that can grow 4–8 feet tall in the wild. It is a multi-stemmed shrub, has glossy leaves, white flowers, and black fruit when fully ripe (Ochmian, 2012). It is distributed throughout the northeastern states, the Great Lakes region and has a range extending to the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains (Brand, 2010). Aronia is considered a "super fruit" since it contains high levels of antioxidants. Studies have shown Aronia fruits to have protective benefits against several types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other health-related issues (Ren et al. 2022).
Should I Grow Aronia as a Cash Crop?
Aronia bushes have been grown as an ornamental plant for many years. More recently, it has become a commercial fruit crop in the United States due to its discovered health benefits (Figure 2).
Based on the 2017 USDA agricultural census, Aronia berries were grown on 924 farms totaling 2,170 acres (USDA, 2017). Production of Aronia takes place from Maine to Washington and many states in between. Iowa is currently the leading state in Aronia production in terms of acreage planted. Production in Iowa is projected to increase through 2027 (Wilson & Beekman, 2018).
Aronia berries were evaluated in Ohio as a potential cash crop for farmers from 2014 to 2016 as a part of a Specialty Crop Block Grant awarded to Gary Gao, PhD, at The Ohio State University. Aronia proved to be easy to grow even though a few insects and diseases can affect them. Marketing of the fruits and fruit products remain the largest obstacle for the expansion of Aronia planting in Ohio.
Site Selection
Aronia plants have been observed to grow well in a variety of soil types, from poorly drained boggy soils to well-drained loamy sites. The optimum pH is slightly acidic and ranges from 6 to 6.5. However, Aronia is known to tolerate a wider pH range from 5 to 8.5. Though Aronia blooms in late spring, frost is still a risk. It is also important to avoid a topographically low area due to frost concerns (Figure 3). Aronia prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Despite being able to tolerate a wide range of site parameters, growers are advised to select a site that is well-drained, provides full sun, and falls within the optimum pH range.
Spacing
Aronia plants should be spaced 4–6 feet between plants to allow plenty of room for future growth, air movement, and light penetration. General recommendations for row spacing are 10–12 feet but can vary depending on the size of the equipment the grower uses to maintain the health and vitality of the plants. Some examples of equipment needed might be a tractor with a sprayer or harvesting equipment, and a mower if sod is to be mowed between rows.
Cultivar Selection
Breeding work for Aronia is still in its infancy, with some growers raising the plants from seeds. 'Galicianka (Galicjanka),’ 'Nero,' and 'Viking' are three common commercial varieties available to growers (Jakobek et al., 2012). Nero, Viking, and Galicjanka are hybrids of Aronia and mountain ash (Figure 4). Viking and Nero were selected in Russia for commercial fruit production and introduced to the United States during the last twenty-five years. Mature plants of Viking Aronia reach around six to eight feet tall with multiple shoots per plant. Despite little genetic variability between wild and named cultivars, it is still recommended to plant Aronia cultivars for more uniform growth and fruit production.
'Autumn Magic' and 'Iraqis Beauty' are ornamental cultivars of Aronia melanocarpa. They grow approximately four feet tall and have beautiful white flowers but are not well suited for fruit production. 'McKenzie' was released in 2008 for conservation plantings or windbreak plantings and should not be planted for commercial fruit production.
Aronia is self-fruitful and does not require a pollinator for fertilization. Therefore, growers can plant one cultivar for fruit production. However, multiple cultivars can help with cross-pollination and boost yields.
Flowers that give rise to Aronia fruits are produced for the next year while the current season’s fruit is maturing. Therefore, growers must ensure enough flower buds are left on shoots when pruning.
Fruits and Harvest Season
Aronia produces loose clusters of 10–15 little fruits at the ends of their shoots, which resemble tiny apples (Figure 5.). Individual fruits are about ¼ inch in diameter and ripen from mid-August to early September in Southern Ohio. Cultivars, fertilization, maturation, climate conditions, and harvest time may impact the content of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, fats, aroma compounds, and especially the polyphenols of Aronia berries and their health benefits (Jurendić & Ščetar, 2021).
According to an Iowa State University news release, harvesting of Aronia fruit is based on the sugar or soluble solids content of the fruit (Konnan, 2015). The fruit becomes edible when its sugar content reaches 18% and can be as high as 22%–24%. Fully ripe fruits are completely black (Figure 6).
Disease and Insects
Since Aronia is related to the apple, insect pests are the apple maggot, brown marmorated stink bug, cherry fruit worm, grasshoppers, Japanese beetle, spotted wing drosophila, and tarnished plant bug. The lace bug was observed as a serious pest on the Aronia bushes at The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon. Significant leaf discoloration is the typical symptom of lace bug on Aronia bushes (Figures 7 and 8). An insecticide application early in the season is typically enough to control lace bug. Thorough insecticide coverage on the upper and lower leaf surfaces is critical for the effective control of lace bug damage.
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a potential pest to Aronia fruits. Insecticide applications when fruits are turning color can be helpful in reducing fruit damage.
Cedar-quince rust (or hawthorn) and cedar-apple rust are some of the diseases that appear on Aronia, even though they have not been observed in the South Centers in Piketon trials.
Nuisance Wildlife
Birds, deer, and rabbits may cause fruit production problems. Birds do not eat unripe Aronia fruits. However, they do consume a significant amount of the fully ripe fruit. Bird netting may be necessary if growers let fruits hang longer to achieve higher sugar levels. Deer and rabbit damage levels vary significantly by region or season.
Marketing
Aronia fruits are not consumed fresh as they are extremely astringent due to high tannin levels. The fruit is more palatable when used in processed foods. Aronia has been used in dietary supplements, fruit desserts, teas, jams, jellies, juices, nectars, syrups, wines, and other products due to its wide array of health benefits (Sidor & Gramza-Michałowska, 2019).
Freeze-dried Aronia fruits can be found in some health food stores. These fruits can be added to a few different foods, such as baked goods, ice cream, juices, smoothies, or protein shakes.
Aronia jams are quite tasty by themselves or can be blended with other fruits. Rafiq Islam, PhD, of The Ohio State University made Aronia jam and also blended Aronia fruit with raspberries. Both types of jams were very tasty treats (Figure 11).
Aronia fruits have also found their way into various baked goods. Since Aronia fruits have a deep purple to black color, they can be used as a natural food colorant. Continued research reveals that the health benefits of Aronia berries help growers and consumers.
Summary
Aronia can be a nice niche crop for fruit growers in Ohio. Growers are encouraged to think about marketing and value-added products before they plant Aronia. Some growers have decent success with pick-your-own Aronia. Unlike more popular fruits such as blueberries and raspberries, the profitable production of Aronia needs more consumer education and the development of value-added products.
References
Brand, M. (2010). Aronia: Native shrubs with untapped potential. Arnoldia, 67(3), 14–25.
DOI:10.5962/p.251408
Geiger, M. (2020). Aronia berries – Old fruit with a new name. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
blogs.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/2020/09/01/aronia-berries-old-fruit-with-a-new-name
Hannan, J. (2015). Growing Aronia in Iowa. Yard and Garden, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2015/02-13/aronia.htm
Jakobek, L., Drenjančević, M., Jukić, V., & Šeruga, M. (2012). Phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins and antiradical activity of "Nero", "Viking", "Galicianka" and wild chokeberries. Scientia Horticulturae, 147, 56–63.
DOI:10.1016/j.scienta.2012.09.006
Jurendić, T., & Ščetar, M. (2021). Aronia melanocarpa products and by-products for health and nutrition: A review. Antioxidants, 10(7), 1052.
doi: 10.3390/antiox10071052
Ochmian I.D., Grajkowski J., & Smolik M. (2012). Comparison of some morphological features, quality and chemical content of four cultivars of chokeberry fruits (Aronia melanocarpa). Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 40(1), 253–260.
doi.org/10.15835/nbha4017181
Ren, Y., Frank, T., Meyer, G., Lei, J., Grebenc, J.R., Slaughter, R., Gao,Y.G., & Kinghorn, A.D. (2022). Potential benefits of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits and their constituents in improving human health. Molecules, 27(22), 7823.
doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227823
Sidor, A., & Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2019). Black chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa L.—A qualitative composition, phenolic profile and antioxidant potential. Molecules, 24(20), 3710.
doi.org/10.3390/molecules24203710
USDA. (2017). 2017 Census of Agriculture.
nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_US/st99_1_0038_0038.pdf
Wilson, L.A., & Beekman, T. 2018. Optimal Aronia Berry Harvest. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15416