PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FRUITS ON 4 CULTIVARS AND 3 CLONESOF GUAVA TREES IN PORTO-LUCENA, RS

This research aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical characterist ics of the fruits of four cultivars (Riverside Vermelha, Brune Vermelh a, IAC-4, Pirassununga Vermelha) and three clones (RES-1, RES-2, Patil lo) of guava (Psidium guajava L.) trees cultivated in Porto Lucena, RS , Southern Brazil. The evaluation was made based on the mean fruit wei ght, longitudinal and transversal diameter and their relation, flesh a nd core weight, flesh and core thickness and their relation and firmne ss, fiber, moisture, pectin, acidity, pH, vitamin total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/acidity relation, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars. Fruits of 'IAC-4' showed the highest flesh thickness, flesh/core thic kness relation, moisture and TSS. Guava of 'Patillo' had good physical characteristics, the highest pectin, vitamin C, acidity, non-reducing sugars and the lowest pH, but its use is restrict for natural consump tion and industrialization for its white flesh, colour, and unpleasant taste and smelt. 'Riverside Vermelha' showed the highest mean fruit w eight, transversal diameter, flesh and core weight core thickness and firmness, pectin and non-reducing sugars. Fruits of 'RBS-1' showed the greatest mean fruit, weight, longitudinal diameter, longitudinal diam eter relation, flesh weight and flesh/core weight relation, TSS, TSS/a cidity relation, reducing and total sugars. 'Riverside Vermelha', in e special for its physical characteristics, and 'IAC-4', 'RBS-2' and 'RE S-1' obtained the best performance for natural consumption and industr ialization.