Abstract

CADENA INIGUEZ, Jorge et al. Biochemical characterization of domesticated varieties of chayote Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. fruits compared to wild relatives. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.spe2, pp.45-55. ISSN 2007-4034.

Given the great biological variation in the infraspecific complex of Sechium edule, biochemical characterization of the fruit is needed; therefore, the objective of this study was characterizing one wild and seven domesticated varieties of S. edule fruits. The samples were taken from the Banco Nacional de Germoplasma in Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico, during a period of three years. The assessed variables were: pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoids), terpenic compounds, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and epidermis color; principal components and hieralchical analysis was conducted for their evaluation. The results showed that there is biochemical variation among varieties having a common ancestor in wild relative chayote. Among the cultivated varieties there are four levels of variation that allow for grouping by higher biochemical similarity.

Keywords : Pigments; chlorophyll; total soluble solids.