Características físico-químicas, antioxidantes e fenólicas de genótipos e cultivares comerciais de mirtileiro (Vaccinium spp.).

Abstract

Blueberry fruits have high levels of antioxidants, phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, thus giving them functional properties. However, the content of these compounds may vary according to the edaphoclimatic characteristics of the region, growing conditions, in addition to genetic differences inherent to the genotypes of different cultivars and selections. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze and compare the physicochemical, antioxidant and phenolic characteristics of fruits from six selected genotypes (BB3, BB4, BB6, PW1, PW2 and PW5) in relation to seven commercial cultivars (Bluebelle, Bluegem, Briteblue, Climax, Delite, Powderblue and Woodard), from the 2019/2020 production cycle. The experiment was conducted in the field, with fruits from an experimental area, located in the third district of Pelotas, RS, and at the Postharvest Physiology Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables, of the Department of Agroindustrial Science and Technology (DCTA), from the Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel (FAEM), where the evaluations were carried out. To carry out the analysis, approximately 1 kg of fruits in complete maturity stage of each genotype and in three randomly chosen clones of each cultivar were collected. The samples used in the analysis of color, soluble solids, pH and total titratable acidity were weighed and separated by repetition (R1, R2 and R3), containing 100 g of fruits in wet mass. For the quantification of antioxidants (DPPH and ABTS), total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and individual anthocyanins, 200 g of fruits in dry mass were weighed and separated by repetition. Results indicate that the genotypes and cultivars evaluated provided high levels of antioxidants, phenolics, flavonoids, total and individual anthocyanins. Highlighting ‘Bluegem’, ‘Briteblue’, ‘Climax’, ‘Delite’ and the PW1, PW2, PW5 and BB3 genotypes. It was concluded that the studied genotypes did not show superiority in relation to their parents and possible parents. However, they have as much functional potential as the cultivars already consolidated in the market. In addition to possibly having greater adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of southern Brazil, since they were cultivated and selected in Rio Grande do Sul.