EVALUATION OF BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS AND MACAÚBA FRUIT OIL CONTENT

Macao has an extraordinary socio-economic importance, due to its wide range of applications, but its productive potential is little explored. Data on biometric variations in the size and weight of the fruits of these components, as well as their correlations, can provide valuable input for the selection of genotypes with higher yield potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate and morphologically characterize the biometric characteristics and content of macaúba fruit oil, in order to explore the genetic variability and the correlation between the characteristics. Genotypes located in System II of BAG-Macaúba, belonging to the Federal University of Viçosa, were evaluated.The genotypes evaluated were planted in 2013 and their production, starting in 2020, was evaluated for four years. After the characterization of the production, a sample of fruits randomly collected in the ripe bunches was stored. Genotypes with production equal to or greater than 15kg were selected and their fruits analyzed. The following parameters were evaluated: fresh fruit weight (PF), fruit diameter (DF), endocarp thickness (ED), endocarp weight (PD), pulp weight (PP), almond weight and pulp oil content (TOP). The biometric and oil content analysis procedures were carried out in four fruits, in 60 genotypes that were superior. There was a significant difference for all the characteristics evaluated. VC values ranged from 3.07% to 14.60%, demonstrating an efficient control under experimental conditions