Genotypic Differences in Chlorophyll, Lutein, and β-Carotene Contents in the Fruits of Actinidia Species

Abstract

Chlorophyll, lutein, and beta-carotene contents in Actinidia fruits were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography in various genotypes, including five Actinidia deliciosa, seven Actinidia chinensis, two Actinidia rufa, five Actinidia arguta, and three interspecific hybrids. The concentrations of chlorophyll, lutein, and beta-carotene in the fruit of A. deliciosa Hayward were 1.65, 0.418, and 0.088 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively. Of A. deliciosa cultivars, Koryoku showed significantly higher concentrations in chlorophyll, lutein, and beta-carotene than Hayward. In most cultivars of A. chinensis, although both chlorophyll and lutein contents were significantly lower than in Hayward, the beta-carotene content tended to be slightly higher. In A. rufa, A. arguta, and their interspecific hybrids, the contents of chlorophyll, lutein, and beta-carotene were much higher than in Hayward. In particular, these fruits were found to be the richest dietary source of lutein among commonly consumed fruits.