Fruit Evaluation of 103 Acerola (Malpighia Emarginata D. C.) Phenotypes from the Subtropical Region of Brazil

Abstract Acerola fruit is one of the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid ever known. As a consequence, acerola fruit and its products are demanded worldwide for the production of health supplements and for the development of functional products. Acerola phenotypes (103) were selected from Western Paraná State and evaluated to obtain information on fruit quality characteristics with the aim of using them in genetic breeding programs for improving acerola in the subtropical region of Brazil. Multivariate analysis of the dissimilarity among the phenotypes was performed using the heat map clustering method and principal component analysis. Results obtained using the two methods were comparable, and the methods were effective in discriminating between samples and variables. This indicates variability among phenotypes with potential for its use in breeding programs. Based on the mean values of the chemical and physical characteristics of fruits and considering the differences among the phenotypes, nine crosses are suggested to generate a future improved population, namely between phenotype numbers 37, 4, 14, 29 and phenotype numbers 99, 60 and 66, belonging to the two different clusters and characterized by high vitamin C content and yield or higher values of fruit size and color parameters.