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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #335917
Title: Pomological and physico-chemical characterization of Chrysophyllum cainito or “Caimito” seedlings grown in, South Florida.

Author
item Ayala Silva, Tomas
item GUBBUK, HAMIDE - Akdeniz University
item Winterstein, Michael - Mikey
item SALAS, ANDREA - Florida International University
item GUILIANA, MUSTIGA - Mars, Inc

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2016
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: “Caimito” is a fruit native to the Caribbean and most tropical areas including Central America and Mexico. Currently most materials are from seed, assuming the existence of great genetic difference; therefore, any source of germplasm, is characteristic of a potential source to expand this fruit. The physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of thirty fruits per tree were evaluated. The characteristics evaluated were: fruit, and seed weights, number of seeds, fruit length and diameter, pH, titrated acidity, brix and color (luminosity (L), a*, b* Chroma and hue). Significant differences among the fruits evaluated from the trees were observed. Fruit, and seed weight, pH, titrated acidity and brix were the most representative traits in generating three groups. The first group consisted of fruit materials that were larger (length 82.5 mm, diameter 76.1 mm), heavier (268.6 g), lower in seed number (5.2) and with the highest total soluble solids content (18.58 °Brix); and it included the only material with purple/reddish skin, the rest of the materials had a light-opaque purple color. The second and third group of seedlings included materials with less fruit weight (97 to 135 g) and size (61 to 69 mm of length or diameter), with intermediate and lower values for sugars (10.25 to 12.33), and higher number of seeds (7.61).

Technical Abstract: Chrysophyllum cainito or “Caimito” is a fruit native from to the West Indies and most tropical areas including Central America and Mexico. The generic name is based on Greek words for ‘gold’ and ‘leaf’ which refers to the leaves of some species that are often covered with golden hairs underneath. Presently most materials are from seed, inferring the existence of great genetic difference; hence, any source of germplasm, is characteristic of a potential source to expand this fruit. Parameters evaluated were the physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of thirty fruits per tree. The characteristics evaluated were: fruit, and seed weights, number of seeds, fruit length and diameter, pH, titrated acidity, brix and color (luminosity (L), a*, b* Chroma and hue). Significant differences among the fruits assessed from the trees were observed. Fruit, and seed weights, pH, titrated acidity and brix were the most representative traits in generating three groups. The first group consisted of fruit materials that were larger (length 82.5 mm, diameter 76.1 mm), heavier (268.6 g), lower in seed number (5.2) and with the highest total soluble solids content (18.58 °Brix); and it included the only material with purple/reddish skin, the rest of the materials had a light-opaque purple color. The second and third group of seedlings included materials with less fruit weight (97 to 135 g) and size (61 to 69 mm of length or diameter), with intermediate and lower values for soluble solids (Brix)10.25 to 12.33), and higher number of seeds (7.61). We are considering that this large seedling has potential for selection and release as new variety for growth in nurseries, back yards and orchards.