Physicochemical characterization of fruits from experimental strawberry clones

Strawberry production has been increasingly growing worldwide, as the fruit is extremely popular due to its color, aroma, flavor and high nutritional value. To increase its productivity and quality new genetic materials are being developed and tested. Strawberry genetic improvement programs have sought to increasingly improve the fruit’s physical, chemical and sensory characteristics, as the market becomes more demanding. In this regard, developing knowledge about the chemical properties of strawberry resulting from genetic crossings is fundamental. As such, this work was developed in order to present the physicochemical characterization of strawberry cultivars and experimental clones cultivated in southern Minas Gerais. Hybrids MDA23, MDA01 and MCA94 and commercial cultivars Pircinque and Albion were analyzed in triplicate. Variables evaluated included pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ratio, colorimetry, ash and fruit moisture. The genotypes Pircinque, MCA94 and MDA01 achieved the highest values for soluble solids and pH. Regarding moisture, MDA23 showed higher content compared with the others. As for ash, MDA01 had the lowest value when compared with the other genotypes. The Pircinque cultivar exhibited the highest titratable acidity content, as well as for some colorimetric parameters. All experimental clones proved promising to be cultivated in southern Minas Gerais considering the analyzed parameters.