Work

Phytochemical Characterisation of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) Segregants from Interspecific Crosses Within Section Lasiocarpa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is an Andean fruit crop of high economic and nutraceutical value, appreciated for its acidic-aromatic flavour and its contents of carotenoids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. However, naranjilla production is constrained by susceptibility to pests and diseases, which has promoted the use of wild relatives from section Lasiocarpa in breeding programmes. The objective of this study was to characterise the physical, chemical, mineral and antioxidant attributes of 21 naranjilla materials developed in Ecuador and to identify elite segregants using multivariate approaches. Significant differences were observed among segregants for all evaluated variables. Antioxidant capacity, together with polyphenols and flavonoids, explained the largest proportion of total variation, whereas soluble solids and acidity were associated with organoleptic quality. Segregant P40 stood out due to its high antioxidant activity, soluble solids content and fruit weight; hence, it was identified as the most outstanding elite material. These results confirm the potential of naranjilla breeding in improving both yield and fruit quality.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31132217

Authors: William Viera-Arroyo, Iván Samaniego, Joseph Salazar, Michelle Noboa, Wilson Vásquez-Castillo, Jorge Merino

Institutions: Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Chimborazo, Central University of Ecuador, Universidad de Las Américas

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258