Carotenoid biosynthesis and quality characteristics of new hybrids between tangor (Citrus reticulata x C. sinensis) cv. 'Murcott' and sweet orange (C. sinensis) cv. 'Pera'

Author(s)

Petry, Fabiane C. ; de Nadai, Fabio B. ; Cristofani-Yaly, Mariangela ; Latado, Rodrigo R. ; Mercadante, Adriana Z.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Research International; v. 122, p. 10-pg., 2019-08-01.

Abstract

Phenotypic characteristics, as well as the relation between carotenoid accumulation and gene expression during ripening were determined in fruits of five new hybrids between tangor cv. 'Murcott' and sweet orange cv. 'Pera'. The genotypes were classified into the orange-like group, showing mainly epoxycarotenoids, oval fruit shape and yellowish color, or in the mandarin-like group, showing mainly beta-cryptoxanthin, flattened shape and deep orange coloration; although some hybrids presented intermediate characteristics. The diversity in carotenoid composition of hybrids and genitors were mostly explained by patterns of gene expression. High carotenoid (250-426 mu g/g dry weight [dw]) and beta-cryptoxanthin (81-125 mu g/g dw) contents, observed in the mandarin-like group, were generally associated with high expression of upstream genes (GGPPS1, PSY, PDS). On the other hand, low expression/repression of these genes and high expression of downstream genes (BCHX and ZEP) were associated with low carotenoid (similar to 158 mu g/g dw) and beta-cryptoxanthin (5-22 mu g/g dw) contents and epoxycarotenoid accumulation, as occurred in the orange-like group. Breeding experiments resulted in hybrids with outstanding higher carotenoid contents than both genitors (up to 426 mu g/g dw versus 158-250 mu g/g dw in genitors), which was attributed to transgressive segregation. Differences among genotypes have great impact on commercial fruit quality and potential health benefits, such as the provitamin A content. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/08648-0 - Study of alterations in the INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol and of exogenous lipid addition on the bioaccessibility and hydrolysis of carotenoid esters
• Grantee: Fabiane Cristina Petry
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/00133-4 - Trials with citrandarins as rootstock for the Pêra and Valencia sweet oranges and the Tahiti acid lime
• Grantee: Mariângela Cristofani-Yaly
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/09804-5 - Carotenoids and carotenoid esters in different Citrus cultivars: composition, bioacessibility and changes during ripeness
• Grantee: Fabiane Cristina Petry
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 18/23752-1 - Multi0user equipment approved in grant 2013/07914-8: high-speed liquid chromatography coupled to arrangement of diodes, fluorescence and masses
• Grantee: Adriana Zerlotti Mercadante
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 14/50880-0 - INCT 2014: comparative and functional genomics and citrus-assisted breeding
• Grantee: Marcos Antonio Machado
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/18605-0 - Obtaining and evaluation of new varieties of scion and rootstock for citrus
• Grantee: Mariângela Cristofani-Yaly
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants