Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Phenotypic characterization of star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) accessions from an ex situ collection in Ecuador
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Moreira Ricardo, Héctor Eduardo, Carranza Josselyn, Fosado Osvaldo, Feicán Carlos
Research Articles | Published: 18 August, 2025
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Keywords: Breeding, Fruits, Germplasm, Variability
Abstract
Star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) is a fruit species belonging to the Sapotaceae family, native to tropical America and distributed in various regions of the world. It is appreciated for its pleasant flavor and nutritional value. Characterizing the genetic diversity of the star apple is important for commercial extension recommendations and genetic breeding. Phenotypic characterization of 30 star apple accessions was carried out in an ex situ collection at the National Agricultural Research Institute (INIAP) in Ecuador. Fifteen tree characters (8 quantitative and 7 qualitative) and 17 fruit characters (13 quantitative and 4 qualitative) were analyzed. A principal component analysis was performed to determine the contribution of quantitative traits to the total variation explanation, as well as a cluster analysis to establish possible relationships between individuals. The presence of variability in the collection was demonstrated, and also the influence of each of the quantitative characters of the trees and fruits in explaining 78.38% of the total variability. In the first component, the tree traits and seed diameter contributed most to the variability, while in the second component, the fruit traits (length, circumference, and weight) were the main contributors. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into 4 subsets. Accessions 8 and 19 were grouped together in one subset, showing maximum values in tree and fruit characters important for producers and breeders. Molecular characterization of this germplasm is recommended to corroborate the observed phenotypic variability and provide useful information for the genetic improvement of the species.
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Author Information
Experimental Station “Litoral Sur”, National Agricultural Research Institute, Yaguachi, Ecuador