The study was performed to investigate basic tree growth and fruit characteristics of ‘Nero’ black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) depending on the different cultivation regions and altitudes in 2014, 2015. Tree growth and change of developmental stages of ‘Nero’ were similar regardless of meteorological environment of the four cultivation regions (Danyang, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Geumsan) in 2014. Fruit characteristics of ‘Nero’ were significant differences in berry weight and anthocyanin content among the four orchards due to difference in cultivation techniques and relatively wide daily temperature range just before harvest, respectively. Tree growth and change of developmental stages of ‘Nero’ grown at the two orchards with different altitudes appeared to be similar during the successive years 2014 and 2015. Soluble solids content of the berries cultivated at low altitude (117 m) was higher than at high altitude (342 m). Acidity showed an inverse pattern with soluble solids content. Anthocyanin content increased progressively until at the middle of August, 2014-15 and then it decreased. Our results showed that black chokeberry is a species adaptive to the domestic environment as there were no differences in tree growth and change of developmental stages of ‘Nero’. Considering fruit quality of black chokeberry such as soluble solids content, acidity, and anthocyanin content, our results suggest that optimal harvest period of black chokeberry ‘Nero’ is August 8 to 19.

Effects of different soil water conditions on fruit characteristics were investigated in 5-year-old ‘Nero’ black chokeberry trees (Aronia melanocarpa). Three kinds of drought stresses, including low water deficit, severe water deficit, and very severe water deficit, due to decline of soil water decreased the fruit quality of weight of 10 berries, soluble solid content, and anthocyanin, compared with the control (consistent water supply) during the harvest period. After longer drought stress, supply of soil water could induce berry cracking because cell size of epidermis of fruits contracted, whereas cell size of sub-epidermis and flesh expanded. Thus periodic water supply using water supply facility is needed for yield and quality of ‘Nero’ black chokeberry fruits.