Morphological and physicochemical characterization of selected soursop accessions fruits in Nayarit

Abstract

In Mexico there is a morphological and biochemical variability of soursop germplasm, mainly due to its propagation by seed. The last years were identified in Nayarit accessions (TR, VCA1, VCA4, VCA5 and VCA10) with outstanding characteristics; therefore, in 2017 the morphological and physicochemical characterization of fruits of these accessions was carried out. The morphological characterization was carried out with the descriptors of the guide of tests of distinction, homogeneity and stability of the international union for the protection of plant varieties (UPOV) in annonaceae. The physicochemical parameters were determined by the AOAC methods. Morphological differences were found in size and shape of fruits, size of spines, quantity and size of seeds. In the fruits of TR and VCA4 the largest size predominated and in the VCA5 smaller size. The trapezoidal shape predominated in the TR and the conical in VCA1 and VCA4. The TR and VCA10 fruits had greater bark thickness and smaller spines; while the VCA4 had larger spines. Fruits TR, VCA4 and VCA10 had a higher number of seeds and VCA5 had a lower number; with larger seeds in the TR and less in VCA1 and VCA4. There were no differences in pulp yield (68.7-72.4%), but it was directly proportional to the fruit size (r= 0.532) with p< 0.001. In the physicochemical characteristics, the TR fruits at maturity of consumption had greater intensity of the green of the skin, greater firmness, soluble solids content (SST) and °Brix/acidity ratio.