ABSTRACT
The sustainability and expansion of the papaya crop depends on the development of genotypes with superior quality to satisfy the demands of farmers. This study aimed at evaluating the physicalchemical and sensorial characteristics of papaya fruits in order to identify new genotypes with potential for the market. Fruits from improved genotypes of the Solo (L60, L47-05, L47-08 and H54.78) and Formosa (L33 and H36.45) groups, as well as the commercial varieties Tainung nº 1 and Sunrise Solo were evaluated. Analyses of pulp yield, weight, length, diameter (fruit and internal cavity), pulp firmness and color, besides sensorial evaluation, were performed. The L47-05 and L47-08 breeding lines from the Solo group had the highest values for fruit weight (838.30 g and 803.94 g, respectively) and firmness (8.35 kgf cm-2and 7.74 kgf cm-2, respectively), showing to be more resistant to mechanical damage. The Tainung nº 1 cultivar presented the highest values for weight (842.77 g), length (20.76 cm) and diameter (9.70 cm). Genotypes from the Solo group (L47-05, L47-08 and H54.78) and the Sunrise Solo control showed soluble solids content above 14 ºBrix. The sensory acceptance of the H54.78 hybrid was statistically equal to the Sunrise Solo control for all assessed sensory attributes. The H36.45 and L33 genotypes (Formosa group) were also statistically equal to the Tainung nº 1 control for all assessed sensory attributes. Based on fruit quality, the H54.78 (Solo group) and the H36-45 and L33 (Formosa group) genotypes are the most promising for the market and can compete with the Sunrise Solo and Tainung nº 1 commercial cultivars.
KEY-WORDS:
Carica papaya L.; physical-chemical characterization; genetic breeding
