Levels Of Soluble Solids Research Articles

The role of hydrogen water in delaying ripening of banana fruit during postharvest storage

Experiments were conducted to identify the role of hydrogen water (HW) in banana fruit ripening. Banana fruit soaked with 0.8 ppm HW showed longer ripening than control fruit. HW treatment significantly reduced ethylene production and respiratory rate, and inhibited the expressions of ethylene synthesis- and signaling-related genes. Similarly, HW treatment inhibited the down-regulation of chlorophylls binding proteins and delayed the increase of chromaticity a*, b* and L* in banana peel. Furthermore, HW-treated peel exhibited lower expressions of cell wall degradation-related genes and higher levels of fruit firmness, pectin, hemicellulose and lignin. In addition, HW-treated pulp exhibited higher levels of starch, lower level of total soluble solids (TSS) and lower expression of flavor-related genes. Microstructural observation further confirmed that HW treatment delayed the degradations of starch and cell walls. Those results indicated that HW treatment delayed banana ripening via the role of ethylene in relation to degreening, flavor and softening.

Effect of nitric oxide fumigation on microorganisms and quality of dried apricots during storage

The effect of nitric oxide (NO) on microorganisms and quality of dried apricots during storage was investigated. The results showed that NO fumigation at various concentrations could effectively reduce natural disease and moth pest incidence, as well as decrease the total number of microorganisms on dried apricots during storage. Compared with the control (CK), NO fumigation maintained higher levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and reducing sugar in dried apricots. Additionally, the fumigated apricots displayed lower levels of total color change, degree of browning, and decline of nutrients compared with control. Furthermore, although the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite ions in dried apricots after NO fumigation were higher than those of the CK group, their levels were in line with the standard limits. Among the different concentrations of NO, 1,500 μl/L showed the best results regarding natural diseases, moth pests, and microbial inhibition, while 900 μl/L maintained the best quality of dried apricots during storage. These findings demonstrated that NO fumigation has potential to be a safe and effective treatment method to control microbial contamination and preserve the storage quality of dried apricots. Practical applications Nitric oxide (NO) fumigation can be used as a safe and effective storage method for dried fruits. This is the theoretical and technical foundation for the industrial application of NO fumigation technology, which provides new ideas and directions for the storage of dried fruits.

Development of value added drinks from date palm juice (Phoenix sylvestris)

The high decaying tendency of date palm juice limited its manifold application. Here, we developed a preservation technique for concentrated juice and formulated ready to serve (RTS) drinks. The collected date palm juice was heated at 85 °C for 5 min; scum was removed and preserved in the sterilized glass bottle. After that, this pasteurized juice was concentrated to 9%, 12%, 15%, 18% and 21% total soluble solids (TSS) levels and treated with 200 ppm of potassium metabisulfite (KMS) and stored at refrigerated temperature (4 °C). Among them, 18% TSS showed overall acceptability to sensory evaluations for colour, flavour, sweetness, TSS, acidity and microbial load. In contrast, heat treated date palm juice (9% TSS) was used to formulate RTS drinks containing 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% date palm juice, were preserved in sterilized bottles and stored at 30 °C. Results showed that RTS drinks containing 30% date palm juice secured the best colour, flavour, sweetness, TSS, acidity, microbial load and overall acceptability. Furthermore, no significant change was observed in TSS, acidity, microbial load up to three and six months for concentrated juice and RTS drinks, respectively.

Evaluation of Some Selected Mango Varieties for Fruit Powder Production In Ghana

Mango is an important fruit, which receives high patronage in Ghana. However, the highly seasonal and perishable nature of the crop, besides being a constraint to both farmers and processors, also deny consumers the opportunity to enjoy the fruit all year round. Use of the stable powder form of mango can serve to fill the gap during the mango off-season. This study evaluated the fruits of four major mango varieties (“Keitt”, “Kent”, “Palmer” and a local variety) grown in Ghana for their suitability for fruit powder production. The fresh fruit pulp and reconstituted freeze-dried powder of the varieties were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The study revealed that “Keitt”, “Kent” and “Palmer”, which are the exotic varieties, had significantly (p≤0.05) high pulp content of 68%, 66% and 63% respectively indicating potential for high fruit powder yield. Acceptable levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and beta-carotene contents were observed in the fresh fruit and the freeze-dried powders of the varieties. There was no significant (p≤0.05) difference in Yellowness Index between fresh fruit pulp of “Keitt”, “Kent” and “Palmer” and their respective reconstituted freeze-dried powders. These three mango varieties exhibited considerably good quality in terms of physical and chemical characteristics for processing and utilization as fruit powder. The production of high quality mango powder from these varieties could therefore serve as substitutes in the off-season and also reduce postharvest loss.

Comparing the number of Iranian pomegranate genotypes based on morphological and biochemical properties

Punica granatum L. is one of the oldest known edible fruits. Numerous chemical compounds have been isolated from pomegranate seeds, juice, and peels, which have beneficial effects on human health. This study aimed to perform the physicochemical and morphological properties of twenty-four pomegranate genotypes from various provinces of Iran. Fifteen fruits of each cultivar are collected at harvest maturity in the normal ripening period for the pomegranate from the Iranian pomegranate genetic collection in Yazd, Iran. Five fruits were randomly harvested from each of four orientations of the tree, and were immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. Three replicates were maintained for each analysis. The results indicated the highest levels of anthocyanin was observed in S783 and R633, while polyphenols in Q529, the antioxidant capacity in N755 and the total soluble solids levels in R633 and the total acidity levels were found in K477 and E336. On the other hand, the fruit weight (in S948), fruit diameter (in SH1738), crown diameter (in R533), total weight of the seeds (in S948), peel thickness (in S716), peel colour (in S948), and red juice (in S783) are significantly affected by the genotype. At a similarity of 50%, the genotypes were divided into nine sub-clusters including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. These identified genotypes can be rolled out in future breeding programmes.

Improving Fruit Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Storage Life of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Barhi) Using Natural Elicitors

“Barhi” date fruit is highly appreciated and widely consumed at the Bisr stage (first edible stage) of maturity. However, maintaining its quality for long periods of time after harvest and throughout marketing is a substantial challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of preharvest spray treatments of 1% chitosan (Ch) in conjunction with 3% calcium chloride (Ca) and 2 mM salicylic acid (SA) on “Barhi” fruit’s shelf life, quality, and phytochemical composition at harvest and during cold storage. All treatments significantly delayed the ripening and decay of “Barhi” dates compared to controls. Ch treatment, followed by Ch + SA and Ch + SA + Ca, showed the lowest weight loss. Ch + Ca, Ch + SA + Ca, and Ch + SA treatments showed significantly lower levels of total soluble solids (TSS) compared to the control fruit. Ch + Ca and Ch + Ca + SA treatments showed no decayed fruit after 60 days of cold storage. At the end of storage time, the Ca treatment, followed by Ch + Ca + SA, showed the greatest total phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and tannin (TTC) contents. Ch + SA + Ca, Ch + SA, and Ch showed significantly higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to controls. Based on these findings, these treatments may be recommended to prolong the shelf life of “Barhi” date fruit.

Postharvest coatings of ‘apple’ banana fruits

Banana is a fruit of great importance for Brazilian agribusiness, in terms of consumption by the Brazilian population, second only to orange. Correct handling after harvesting is decisive to favor the longevity of the fruits during marketing, reducing losses caused by mechanical damage and poor packaging. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of seven post-harvest coatings on apple banana fruits. The experiment was carried out in a phytotechnic laboratory, using a completely randomized design with five replications. Each parcel consisted of a bouquet with three units of fruit. The treatments evaluated were: T1 = 28% sucupira extract solution; T2 = 57% sucupira extract solution; T3: 14% moringa extract solution; T4 = 9% grape oil solution, T5 = 14% coconut oil solution, T6 = 14% soy oil solution, T7 = 14% wax solution and T8 = Control (no coating applied). Beeswax provided the smallest losses in length, fruit diameter, and loss of fresh fruit mass during the storage period. The sucupira and moringa extracts provided the highest levels of soluble solids at the end of storage, and all coatings used in the post-harvest treatment of bananas reduced the ripening of the fruit.

Cell wall break down of pitanga fruit (Eugenia uniflora L.) is associated with pectic solubilisation and softening

SummaryPitanga fruit stands out for its exotic flavour and antioxidant properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in the physical, chemical and biochemical variables of red pitanga variety, in four stages of development (green, yellow, orange and red) and associate them to the cell wall break down. Analysis of pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, firmness, soluble pectin, pectinamethylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG), cell wall swelling and microstructure were performed. pH and levels of soluble solids and soluble pectin increased, in addition to the cell wall swelling and reduction of firmness, throughout the development of pitanga. From the SEM, it was possible to observe the degradation of the fruit cell wall during ripening, suggesting mainly the degradation of pectic polysaccharides, verified by the solubilisation of these substances. PG and PME enzymes were not active, which suggests that other enzymes may be associated with the cell wall break down.

YIELD AND QUALITY OF BELL PEPPER FRUITS IRRIGATED WITH MAGNETICALLY TREATED WATER

The application of magnetically treated water is a valuable technique for crop irrigation to enhance the yield and quality of agricultural products. This study aims to evaluate the effect of irrigation water depths and the application of water with and without magnetic treatment on the yield and quality of bell pepper fruits in a controlled environment, verifying the effect of magnetically treated water on soil water retention. Two experiments were conducted in the Irrigation Technical Center of the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá/PR; the first on Summer 2017-2018, and the second on Winter-Spring 2018. A randomized block design with a factorial scheme 3 x 2 with four repetitions was used for the first experiment and a 2 x 2 scheme with six repetitions for the second. The first factor was the water replacement levels (based on the crop evapotranspiration), and the second the irrigation water treatment, with or without magnetic treatment. The yield and number of fruits were determined after six and four harvests in the first and second experiments. Quality characteristics (soluble solids level, pH, and titratable acidity) were evaluated from three fruits of each plant. The data was submitted to the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). It was verified that the application of magnetically treated water did not influence yield. However, it increased the levels of soluble solids and pH. To evaluate the effect of applying magnetically treated water on soil retention, 12 pots filled with soil and without plants were used. An increase in the gravimetric soil moisture using magnetically treated water was perceived, demonstrating higher water retention when using the irrigation method.

EFFECT OF HOT WATER TREATMENT WITH CALCIUM DIPS ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF TOMATO


 Tomato is fruit vegetables sustaining valuable benefits in economy and nutrition. It has a high content of Vitamin C and lycopene. Being a climacteric fruit, tomato is perishable and has a short shelf life. To improve the storage quality of tomato, the effect of hot water treatment and calcium dips on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was studied. Tomato fruits were dipped in two temperatures (40°C and 50°C) of the hot water bath for 2 minutes before treatment of 2% calcium chloride for 2 minutes. The fruits were stored at 10°C ± 2°C in the cold room at a relative humidity of 80-95%. Changes in weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and lycopene content were observed and recorded on 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 days of storage. Hot water treatment at 50°C with 2% of calcium chloride can control the weight loss and firmness of tomato with the low level of total soluble solids and acidity and retained the level of ascorbic acid. This treatment prone to extend shelf life, delay ripening and retained the postharvest quality of tomato.

Effect of environmental variability on fruit quality and phytochemical content of soilless grown tomato cultivars in a non-temperature-controlled high tunnel

The present study investigated the influence of environmental conditions (growing regions and/or fruit-harvesting periods) and cultivar on fruit phytochemical content and quality parameters of “salad-type” fresh market tomatoes grown in protected soilless culture under non-temperature-controlled high tunnels. Sixteen high yielding hybrid tomato cultivars of indeterminate growth were grown in three different regions (Tshwane, Eastern and Western regions) of a subtropical highland climate, and the fruits were harvested in three different periods of the growing season for fruit quality analysis. The Eastern region was in general the most ideal environment for increased fruit quality (particularly fruit electrical conductivity) and phytochemical content of soilless grown tomato cultivars in a non-temperature-controlled high tunnel. The fruit electrical conductivity was considerably high in this region, irrespective of its harvesting period. The potential to maximize a certain type of phytochemical or fruit quality parameter was cultivar-dependant. Cultivars responded differently to the changing environment. However, the fruit total soluble solids level of those cultivars showing superior performance was positively influenced by increased levels of thermal time accumulation and minimum relative humidity, while their fruit electrical conductivity level was reduced with increased vapour pressure deficit. On the contrary, the fruit pH level did not seem to be affected by the environment or cultivar type. Therefore, identifying appropriate growing environments for the tomato cultivars is crucial for improved phytochemical content and fruit quality parameters, contributing to nutrition security, improved income generation for farmers and overall societal well-being.

Fruit Scar Incidence and Its Effect on Guava ‘Kristal’ Fruit Quality (Psidium guajava L.) at Low- and Middle-altitude Orchards in Bogor, Indonesia

Information on scar incidence and its effect on fruit quality of ‘Kristal’ guava (Psidium guajava L.) grown on different altitudes is currently limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fruit scar incidence and fruit quality of 'Kristal' guava var. grown on low- and middle-altitude orchards. The research was conducted by collecting 50 samples of fruit harvested from each orchard from January to June 2019. Fruit quality evaluation was carried out at Postharvest Laboratory, Department of the Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, whereas scarring pest observation was conducted at Insect Biosystematics Laboratory, Department of Plant Protection, IPB University. Our results showed that the low-altitude orchard produced more fruits with medium, high, and very high scar intensity, while the middle-altitude orchard produced more fruits with low and very low scar intensity. Fruit scar was caused by fruit scarring pests, especially thrips and mites. Fruit tissue damage only occurred on the epidermis of fruit pericarps where the tissue turned brownish and thickened. Additionally, there was no expansion of the damage into the pulp. The peel damage did not affect the fruit taste as indicated in the level of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, vitamin C, and total flavonoids content. Fruit external quality was varied in response to altitude, where middle-altitude orchard produced a heavier, a bigger and a lower fruit softness than low-altitude ones. Present findings could be the baseline information for determine the best growth site and adjustment of pest control to maintain fruit quality.

Juice processing potential of different grape cultivars under conditions in southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the juice quality of 11 grape cultivars over three productive cycles, aiming to identify which cultivars are indicated to complement the varietal matrix and allow the extension of the harvest period in the region of Vale do Rio do Peixe - SC. The grapes used to elaborate the juices were: BRS Rúbea (RUB), BRS Cora (COR); BRS Violet (VIO); BRS Carmen (CAR), BRS Magna (MAG), Bordô (BOR), Isabel (ISA), Isabel Precoce (IP), Concord (CON), Concord Clone 30 (C30) and SCS 421 Paulina (SCSP), produced in the EPAGRI experimental station vineyard, in Videira-SC. The physical-chemical variables analyzed showed statistically significant differences for the different cultivars. From the analysis of main components performed, it was possible to observe the noticeable differences between the levels of this factor and the correlations between the parameters. ISA and IP showed lower levels of anthocyanins and color, differing from VIO and MAG. CON and C30 stood out for their high acidity and low soluble solids content. BOR, SCSP and RUB presented juices with intense coloring, high content of bioactive compounds, nevertheless they presented lower levels of soluble solids and a higher acidity, while COR presented slightly higher contents for total soluble solids. The cultivars that brought together the greatest number of favorable characteristics (physical-chemical, sensory and extension of the harvest dates) for the juice elaboration in the studied region, proving favorable to complement the productive matrix composed of ISA and BOR, were VIO, MAG, IP, COR and CAR.

Synergistic Effect of Preharvest Spray Application of Natural Elicitors on Storage Life and Bioactive Compounds of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Khesab)

Despite the immense capabilities of the date palm, maintaining the fruit’s quality, marketability, and shelf life is still a challenge. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of a preharvest spray application of a natural elicitor chitosan, (Ch) 1% alone and in combination with salicylic acid (SA) 2 mM and calcium chloride (Ca) 3%; (Ch,SA, Ca,Ch+Ca, Ch+SA, Ch+SA+Ca), on the quality parameters, storage life, and bioactive compounds content of date fruit from ‘Khasab’ cultivar during cold storage for 60 days. The obtained results revealed that all treatments significantly retard senescence/decay of the fruit compared to the control. Ch+SA treated fruit followed by Ch, and Ch+SA+Ca had the lowest weight loss, color change, and the least decay after 60 days of storage. Ch+Ca, SA, Ca treated fruit had significantly lower levels of total soluble solids and highest total phenolic, tannins, and flavonoids contents compared to the control fruit. Antioxidant activities were found in all treatments, with significantly higher effect in Ch+SA+Ca and Ch+SA compared to the control. Our results provide an evidence for a synergistic effect of elicitors combination to extend the shelf life of date fruit during cold storage by preserving its quality and decreasing senescence/decay and recommend it as a promising strategy.

PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF FRUITS OF TEN MANGO VARIETIES GROWN UNDER ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of mango varieties grown under the organic farming. Fruits from ten varieties of mango grown under the organic system in the Chapada Diamantina region, BA, Brazil, were assessed. The following physical and chemical characteristics were assessed: fruit mass, pulp yield, pulp color (L*, C*, and h*), soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), total carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. The sensory acceptance test was performed with 50 consumers using the nine-point structured hedonic scale and the attributes acidity, sweetness, and firmness of the pulp were assessed using the just-about-right scale. Differences among the varieties of mango grown under the organic production system were observed for physical, chemical and sensory attributes. The varieties showed a percentage of pulp equal or above 60%, which makes them more suitable for processing. According to the PCA analysis, the characteristics soluble solids, total carotenoids, fruit mass, titratable acidity, h* and L* were considered the most important to differentiate the mango varieties evaluated. Ubá and Beta varieties had the highest levels of SS, while Favo de Mel was characterized by the highest values of TA and L*. The varieties Favo de Mel, Palmer, Surpresa, Juazeiro 2, Imperial and Joa had fruits with higher mass and h* values and the varieties Amrapali and Roxa Embrapa 141 had the highest levels of total carotenoids. Imperial, Palmer, Beta and Joa varieties were the most accepted for all sensory attributes.

Determination of Biochemical Contents of Fresh, Oven-Dried, and Sun-Dried Peels and Pulps of Five Apple Cultivars (Amasya, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Starking)

This study aimed to investigate the biochemical compounds of five different apple cultivars (Amasya, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Starking) grown in the same location and to reveal the differences between peel and pulp in the fresh, oven-dried, and sun-dried samples. Sugar and organic acid contents were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography. Besides, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents were analyzed with a spectrophotometer. The results of these analyses showed that the compounds varied between peel and pulp and among fresh, oven-dried, and sun-dried samples. The largest level of total flavonoid was found in Amasya oven-dried peel, and the largest total phenol, antioxidant activity, fructose, and total sugar levels were observed in Amasya sun-dried peel. Moreover, the largest L-ascorbic acid was detected in Amasya oven-dried pulp. Granny Smith oven-dried pulp was rich in citric, succinic acids, and glucose. Braeburn sun-dried pulp, Golden Delicious oven-dried pulp, and Granny Smith sun-dried pulp contained the largest sucrose, malic acid, and total soluble solids levels, respectively. For data interpretation, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan’s test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and principal component analysis were performed. The peel contained significantly higher total flavonoid, total phenol, and antioxidant activity than pulp. Moreover, among fresh, oven-dried, and sun-dried samples, total phenol, succinic acid, malic acid, and L-ascorbic acid significantly differed. As a whole, the pulp was rich in sugars. The results provide valuable information on the food quality parameters of five different apple cultivars. It was demonstrated that consuming apple with its peel is healthier (in terms of total flavonoid, total phenol, antioxidant activity parameters, and L-ascorbic acid), and drying (especially the sun-drying method) is an effective food storage method for apples.

Impact of Ozonisation Time and Dose on Health Related and Microbiological Properties of Rapanui Tomatoes

The impact of ozone concentration and ozonisation time on the selected chemical, physical and microbiological properties of Rapanui tomatoes was investigated. Tomatoes were exposed to gaseous ozone at concentrations of 0.9 and 2.5 mg L−1 (c1, c2) for 30 and 120 min (t1, t2), and stored for up to 15 days at a temperature of 12 ± 1 °C. The following parameters were evaluated: titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, lycopene, total carotenoids, vitamin C, total antioxidant activity, colour L* a* b* and firmness. Ozonated fruit had higher levels of total soluble solids and higher levels of titratable acidity during and after storage. Exposure of tomatoes to a cooling atmosphere, applying recommended ozonisation process parameters, efficiently inactivated microorganisms that are present on the surface and reduced fruit weight loss, while retaining their firmness and stable colour.

Application of biological products in strawberry cultivars to control Botrytis cinerea

The objective of this work was to evaluate three strawberry cultivars in an organic production system combined with the application of biological products via leaf for the control of Botrytis cinerea aiming at increasing fruit productivity and quality. The experimental design was randomized block, in a 5x3 factorial scheme, consisting of four products and three cultivars. The treatments consisted of the biological products Onix (Bacillus methylotrophicus), Quartz (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), Botector (Aureobasidium pullulans), Prestop (Gliocladium catenatum) and control (water application in the plot) in combination with three strawberry cultivars (Cristal, Monterey and Pircinque). Through the results it was possible to observe the superiority of the cultivar Cristal in the total fruit production when compared to the cultivars Monterey and Pircinque. The biological products Onix, Quartz and Botector provided higher total strawberry production. The recommended cultivar for planting in the southern region of Minas Gerais is Pircinque due to the high levels of soluble solids and total sugars observed. The application of biological products was effective in controlling Botrytis cinerea.

Physicochemical Properties and Effects of Fruit Pulps from the Amazon Biome on Physiological Parameters in Rats.

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and the effects of Amazonian pulp fruits consumption, such as araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), abiu grande (Pouteria caimito), araticum (Annona crassiflora), biri-biri (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus), on hematologic, metabolic, renal, and hepatic function parameters in Wistar rats (n = 10 rats/group). The pulp of abiu had the highest levels of soluble solids, sugars, and pH. Biri-biri pulp had the highest levels of ascorbic acid and total titratable acidity, and a low pH. The araticum pulp had higher (p ≤ 0.05) ash content, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity than the pulp of other analyzed fruits. No significant increase in hematocrit, nor reduction of blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (TGP), creatinine, and urea was observed in experimental groups relative to the control group of rats after the consumption of fruits pulp. The intake of abiu and araticum pulps promoted a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in total leukocytes of the experimental groups as compared to the control group and only the intake of araticum significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) triglyceride blood levels in rats (99.50 mg/dL). The regular consumption of biri-biri pulp for 30 days significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO) levels in rats (116.83 U/L) compared to the control group (98.00 U/L). More researches are needed to generate knowledge about these promising Amazonian fruits, supporting the native fruit production, in addition to promoting health in the population and sustainability in the Amazon region.

Physical characterization of gabiroba fruits (Campomanesia adamantium) from Brazil neotropical savanna

Gabiroba is a species with potential for commercial cultivation due to its desirable agronomic characteristics, such as high yield and high levels of soluble solids. The objective of this study was to characterize fruits and seeds phenotypically and to evaluate the genetic structure in three natural subpopulations of Campomanesia adamantium, based on quantitative data. Fruits of gabiroba plants from three subpopulations were collected, sampling 10 mother plants per subpopulation, with collection of at least 10 fruits per matrix, totaling 300 fruits. Physical characterization data of fruits and seeds were submitted to descriptive analysis, analysis of variance and correlation among characters. There was significant variation for the length, width and fruit mass in C. adamantium at all hierarchical levels evaluated: among subpopulations and among mother plants within subpopulations. Most of the variation, for the three variables under study is found among fruits within mother plant, and then, there is greater variation among mother plants within subpopulation. The levels of variation found within the subpopulations were low. The correlation analysis demonstrated the existence of positive and high correlations between the variables such as, fruit length and fruit width, fruit length and fruit mass, fruit width and fruit mass. For a possible breeding program and / or conservation of the species, it is recommended to represent large number of subpopulations to ensure an adequate representativeness of the observed variability.