Physico-chemical characteristics of fruits on four cultivars and three clones of guava trees in Porto Lucena, RS

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits of four cultivars (Riverside Vermelha, Brune Vermelha, IAC-4, Pirassununga Vermelha) and three clones (RBS-1, RBS-2, Patillo) of guava (Psidium guajava L.) trees cultivated in Porto Lucena, RS, Southern Brazil. The evaluation was made based on the mean fruit weight, longitudinal and transversal diameter and their relation, flesh and core weight, flesh and core thickness and their relation and firmness, fiber, moisture, pectin, acidity, pH, vitamin total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/acidity relation, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars. Fruits of 'IAC-4' showed the highest flesh thickness, flesh/core thickness relation, moisture and TSS. Guava of 'Patillo' had good physical characteristics, the highest pectin, vitamin C, acidity, non-reducing sugars and the lowest pH, but its use is restrict for natural consumption and industrialization for its white flesh, colour, and unpleasant taste and smell. 'Riverside Vermelha' showed the highest mean fruit weight transversal diameter, flesh and core weight core thickness and firmness, pectin and non-reducing sugars. Fruits of 'RBS-1' showed the greatest mean fruit, weight, longitudinal diameter, longitudinal diameter relation, flesh weight and flesh/core weight relation, TSS, TSS/acidity relation, reducing and total sugars. 'Riverside Vermelha', in especial for its physical characteristics, and 'IAC-4', 'RBS-2' and 'RBS-1' obtained the best performance for natural consumption and industrialization.