Effect of Maturity on Carotenoid Profile of Selected Genomically Diverse Banana Cultivated in the Southeastern United States

Banana (Musa spp.) contain several bioactive compounds that have positive effects on human health. Many of these compounds possess antioxidant properties that protect against non-communicable chronic disease associated with oxidative stress. Observational studies indicate an inverse association of α- and ß- carotene and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Collaborative research effort between AL, FL, GA, HI and ND investigators was initiated to identify underutilized carotenoid enriched banana cultivars adaptable to Southeastern United States and destined for development of local niche market. A critical step in hypothesis development concerning dietary carotenoid intake and type 2 diabetes is the determination of carotenoid composition of these underutilized banana cultivars. Stage of maturity may have a profound influence on bioactive compounds in banana fruit. This study therefore, determined the effect of maturity on carotenoid composition in diverse genomic short- cycle banana cultivated in southeastern U.S., as established by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Six cultivars varying in genotype ‘FHIA’ (AAAB), ‘Hua Mua’ (AAB), ‘Kandarian’ (ABB), ‘Pisang Raja’ (AAB), ‘Saba’ (ABB) and ‘Williams’ (AAA) were harvested at full three quarter stage of maturity and room ripened at 20^oC and 95% RH (mature green MG, transition TR, ripe R and over ripe OR) in order to establish postharvest ripening behavior for subsequent carotenoid retention and bioavailability studies. Results indicate, α- and ß- carotene and lutein were the prominent carotenoids detected. Maturity stage by cultivar interaction was significant at P ≤ 0.05 for α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein concentrations. In contrast, no difference was observed among cultivar or maturity in regard to β- cryptoxanthin and lycopene. Mean α- carotene ranged from 0 to 1316 µg/100gFW, ß- carotene 0 to 1297 µg/100gFW and lutein 0 to 172 µg/100gFW dependent on cultivar and maturity stage. Highest carotenoid concentration with respect to lutein was observed in FHIA (AAAB) with an average of 172 µg/100gFW at the OR stage and Hua Mua (AAB) with an average of 1316 µg/100gFW for α-carotene and 1297 µg/100gFW for β-carotene at MG stage respectively. These findings indicate carotenoid composition of diverse genomic short- cycle banana cultivated in southeastern U.S., vary considerably dependent on cultivar and maturity. Results of this study will assist banana producers in the selection of cultivars adaptable to Southeastern U.S., destined for local niche market. Promotion, consumer acceptance and consumption of these underutilized carotenoid enriched cultivars may provide a natural therapeutic plant based strategy for type 2 diabetes management.