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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mayaguez, Puerto Rico » Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #326633
Title: Yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya hybrids grown in Puerto Rico

Author
item Goenaga, Ricardo
item Jenkins, David

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2016
Publication Date: 8/30/2016
Citation: Goenaga, R.J., Jenkins, D.A. 2016. Yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya hybrids grown in Puerto Rico. HortTechnology. 26:547-551.

Interpretive Summary: The globalization of the economy, increased ethnic diversity and a greater demand for healthy and more diverse food products have opened a window of opportunity for the commercial production and marketing of tropical fruit, including atemoya. Little is known about the performance of atemoya hybrids grown in the tropics and subtropics. This study was conducted to evaluate yield performance and fruit quality traits of six atemoya hybrids grown in Puerto Rico. There were no significant differences in marketable fruit production between ‘Geffner’ and ‘Lisa’ which averaged 8,542 fruit/ha. Significantly higher yield of marketable fruit was obtained by ‘Geffner’ and ’Lisa’, averaging 1,507 kg/ha. Individual weight of marketable fruit was significantly higher in ’75-9’and ‘Priestly’ which averaged 264.8 g. Significantly higher soluble solids concentration values were obtained from fruit of ’75-9’, ‘Bradley’ and ‘Geffner’ which averaged 23.8%. This study provides for the first time information from replicated trials on yield and fruit quality traits of various atemoya hybrids that should be useful to Extension Agents and growers.

Technical Abstract: As consumers seek healthy and more diverse food products the demand for tropical fruits has increased significantly during the past 15 years. There is a lack of formal experimentation to determine yield performance and fruit quality traits of atemoya (Annona squamosa x A. cherimola) hybrids. Six atemoya hybrids (Bradley, Geffner, Priestly, Lisa, 47-18, and 75-9) grown on an Oxisol soil were evaluated for 4 years at Isabela, PR. There were no significant differences in marketable fruit production between ‘Geffner’ and ‘Lisa’ which averaged 8,542 fruit/ha. Significantly higher yield of marketable fruit was obtained by ‘Geffner’ and ’Lisa’, averaging 1,507 kg/ha. Individual weight of marketable fruit was significantly higher in ’75-9’and ‘Priestly’ which averaged 264.8 g. Significantly higher soluble solids concentration values were obtained from fruit of ’75-9’, ‘Bradley’ and ‘Geffner’ which averaged 23.8%.