Análise de trilha e estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para antocianina e licopeno em progênies de goiabeira (Psidium guajava)

Abstract

Guava trees exhibit high variability in pulp color, resulting from the differential accumulation of carotenoids and anthocyanins. This study evaluated progenies from the crosses ‘Paluma’ × ‘Purple Guava’ (PR), ‘Pedro Sato’ × ‘Purple Guava’ (PSR), and ‘Pedro Sato’ × ‘Paluma’ (PSP), aiming to estimate genetic parameters, correlations, and direct effects associated with lycopene and anthocyanin content in fruit pulp. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Semiárido, involving 225 progenies for lycopene and 152 progenies for anthocyanins, evaluated over three growing seasons, along with physical and chemical attributes of the fruits. Variance and heritability estimates revealed high genetic diversity and genetic control for lycopene. Repeatability indicated temporal stability of the pigments, supporting early selection. Phenotypic correlations showed a positive association between lycopene and β-carotene, and negative correlations between lycopene, soluble solids, and vitamin C, suggesting metabolic divergence between lipophilic and water-soluble compounds. Anthocyanins showed predominantly negative correlations with structural characteristics of the fruit, especially in crosses with ‘Purple Guava’. Transgressive segregants for lycopene (6.12 mg 100 g⁻¹) and anthocyanins (26.75 mg 100 g⁻¹) showed high selection potential. Path analysis identified βcarotene as the main direct determinant of lycopene and demonstrated that structural attributes directly influence anthocyanins, while soluble solids and vitamin C had inconsistent effects. The results confirm relevant genetic variability and identify auxiliary traits for indirect selection, reinforcing the potential for developing cultivars with higher levels of bioactive pigments and functional value.