Fruit characterization of genotypes of bread-fruit tree of municipalities in the Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil

Abstract

The breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis) is an exotic species found in tropical regions of the world, serving the cultivation of small farmers. This study aimed to evaluate the variability of breadfruit, genotypes located in four districts of the Recôncavo Baiano region (Cruz das Almas, Governador Mangabeira, São Felipe and Sapeaçu) through a characterization of the fruits. Were identified and georeferenced 32 genotypes. For each genotype, eight fruits were collected, which were evaluated for: fruit weight, length and diameter of the fruit pulp thickness, pulp yield length and diameter of the floral axis, weight of the pulp, the shaft and the shell. The pulps were homogenized for physical-chemical and chemical analysis (pH, titratable acidity, the total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar, ashes, starch and protein). The data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and multivariate cluster analysis. The results showed variability among genotypes, with the formation of four main groups of genetic dissimilarity. Multivariate analysis was efficient to discriminate genotype CA5 and CA9 as the most divergent. The characteristics that contribute most to the formation of groups were full starch and yield of pulp.