PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE NECTARINE CULTIVARS IN THE ZONA DA MATA OF MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate physical and chemical characteristics of fruits of three nectarine cultivars named Centenária, Josefina and Rubro-sol. They were planted in the experimental orchard of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa-MG in 2008 and grafted on rootstock Okinawa. The experiment was conducted during the 2011 season, in a completely randomized design with three treatments (cultivars), three replicates of 10 fruits per plot. The characteristics evaluated were skin and flesh color (coordinates b* and °h); fruit weight (g); longitudinal and transverse diameters (mm); firmness (N); soluble solids (° Brix); titratable acidity (% malic acid); ratio of total soluble solids and titratable acidity (SS / TA); and ascorbic acid and carotenoids. Fruit with yellow flesh coloration more intense were found in cultivar Centenária. The fruits of cultivars Centenária e Josefina had, in general, higher fruit weight and diameter. The fruits of cultivars Centenária e Josefina had a lower acidity and better balance between acidity and soluble solids. Higher levels of ascorbic acid and carotenoids were found in cultivar Rubro Sol.