Morfologia e fenologia da produção de 20 acessos de cambuí (Myrciaria floribunda) do banco ativo de germoplasma do CECA-UFAL

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the morphology and production of twenty cambuí (Myrciaria floribunda) accessions from the Active Germplasm Bank of CECA-UFAL, in order to identify promising materials for conservation and genetic improvement. Floral and fruiting traits were evaluated, including the average number of floral buds per branch and per node, bud and fruit biometry, and post-harvest physicochemical variables such as total yield, fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids content (°Brix). Morphological and biometric data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with mean values and standard error bars to assess variation among accessions and experimental precision. In the second stage, analysis of variance was performed, and means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% significance level with the SISVAR software. A wide variability was observed among accessions, with expressive differences in morphological and reproductive characteristics. Accession 80 exhibited the greatest floral bud length, while accession 101 showed the greatest width. Accession 160 stood out for its higher floral density, with superior averages of buds per branch and per node, demonstrating notable reproductive vigor. Regarding fruit traits, accession 17 presented the greatest fruit length, accession 32 the greatest width, and accession 9 the highest average number of fruits per branch, indicating high productive potential. Significant differences in physicochemical attributes suggest predominance of genetic factors over the observed variation. Overall, accessions 3, 9, 12, 17, 32, and 160 were identified as the most promising, presenting desirable productivity, floral vigor, and fruit quality traits. These findings reinforce the importance of the CECA-UFAL Active Germplasm Bank in preserving the genetic diversity of cambuí and providing technical support for sustainable use and breeding of this native fruit species of high ecological, economic, and cultural value.