25147 Effect of Maturity on Total Carotenoid Content of Selected Genomically Diverse Banana Cultivated in Southeastern United States

Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Georgia Ballroom (Sheraton Hotel Atlanta)
Mahnaz Kargar, Graduate Student , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Floyd M. Woods , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Marisa M. Wall , USDA ARS, Hilo, HI, United States
Suzanne Sanxter, Biological Laboratory Technician , U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo
J. Raymond Kessler, Professor , Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Kalidas Shetty, Professor , NDSU, Fargo
Dipayan Sarkar , NDSU, Fargo
Esendugue Greg Fonsah , University of Georgia - Tifton Campus, Tifton
Curtis Jolly , Auburn University, Auburn
Nicholas Larsen , University of Florida, Belle Glade
Banana (Musa spp.) is the fourth most important fruit crop globally with respect to human nutrition. High carotenoid concentrations in foods is associated with reduced incidence of non-communicable chronic disease, including certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. There is a critical need for identification, determination and selection of carotenoid enriched banana cultivars adaptable to Southeastern United States. Additionally, stage of maturity may have a profound influence on bioactive compounds in banana fruit. However, there is limited information concerning the effect of maturity on pulp total carotenoid content of diverse cultivars adaptable to Southeastern U.S. Therefore, collaborative research efforts between AL, FL, GA, HI and ND was initiated to identify underutilized carotenoid enriched banana cultivars adaptable to Southeastern U.S. and destined for development of local niche market. Banana fruit 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 20oC and 95% RH (mature green MG, transition TR, ripe R and over ripe OR) and analyzed for total carotenoid content. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) cultivar by maturity stage interaction for pulp total carotenoid content. Highest total carotenoid content with respect to cultivar was observed in ‘Pisang Raja’ (AAB), Hua Mua (AAB) and FHIA (AAAB). Mean total carotenoid content ranged from 46.36 to 183.85 µg/gfw. The lowest total carotenoid content with respect to maturity was observed in MG ‘Kandarian’ (ABB) and highest in fruit of OR ‘Hua Mua’ (AAB). Preliminary results from this study illustrate the importance of cultivar selection and maturity of banana cultivars adaptable to Southeastern U.S. for potential local niche market and health enhancement of geographically diverse populations. It is therefore, vital to propose further research characterizing pulp carotenoid composition as related to maturity and cultivar in order to extend our knowledge and understanding of these variables on consumer demand, acceptance and shelf life.

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