The Caribbean cherry breeding program at Londrina State University began in 1992 with the establishment of a clone orchard from selected genotypes collected in the north of Parana state. UEL 3 -Dominga, UEL 4-Lígia, UEL 5-Natália cultivars were selected after five assessment cycles taking in consideration earliness, yield, vitamin C fruit content, pest and disease tolerance, fruit size and appearance. UEL 3-Dominga and UEL 5-Natália were outstanding for plant yield, vitamin C content and fruit size. The fructification of these cultivars happens from November to March in Londrina. UEL 4-Lígia cultivar was outstanding for earliness and yield. Its fructification happens from October to March in Londrina. UEL 3-Dominga cultivar presented an average fruit weight of 6,31g, vitamin C content of 2.906 and 1.250 mg/100g in unripe and ripe fruits respectively, acidity of 694.34 mg/100g and Brix of 9,2º. UEL 4-Lígia cultivar presented an average fruit weight of 7,85g, vitamin C content of 3579 and 1.458 mg/100g in unripe and ripe fruits respectively, acidity of 1110 mg/100g and Brix of 7,85º. UEL 5-Natália cultivar presented an average fruit weight of 7,47g, vitamin C of 3.134,5 and 1.098 mg/100g in unripe and ripe fruits respectively, acidity of 725 mg/100g and Brix of 7,6º These three cultivars are indicated for planting in Paraná state.
Malpighia spp.; Barbados Cherry; Plant Breeding; cultivar
