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The characterization of accessions of surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) is important to allow identification and selection of superior materials for commercial growing as well as for genetic improvement programs. The present study’s aim was to select surinam cherry accessions for raw consumption and/or industrial processing based on physical and chemical characterization of the fruits, as well as to select accessions for future genetic improvement efforts. Fruits were collected of 42 surinam cherry accessions in three consecutive years. Different methods were applied for their physical and chemical characterization. The data were submitted to descriptive analysis, correlation analysis between traits and multivariate analysis. The analyses of the fruits revealed high phenotypic variability. More than 70% of the accessions presented above pulp yield 75%, which is considered a high yield. Strong correlations were obtained, mainly between the physical characteristics related to production. The multivariate analysis allowed the formation of seven groups, with G4 and G7 containing the ten accessions (PIT-01, PIT-03, PIT-04, PIT-13, PIT-15, PIT-16, PIT- 22, PIT-23, PIT-32 e PIT-33) of greatest interest for raw consumption and/or industrial processing, due to high pulp yield (> 65%) and high levels of soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) and SS/TA ratio. Phenotypic diversity exists among the genotypes evaluated, and all produce fruits with favorable traits for commercial exploitation and for use in genetic improvement programs. |
