SELECCIÓN DE LÍNEAS PROMISORIAS DE NARANJILLA PARA MEJORAR LA CALIDAD DE LA FRUTA

Evaluation of Naranjilla progenies (Solanum quitoense Lam.) from interspecific crosses, aimed to select individuals with high productivity and commercial fruit quality, which are potential candidates for the generation of new varieties. This research was carried out at the experimental farm Palora from INIAP, in the province of Morona Santiago. Nine groups of segregants were evaluated, highlighting the Group 1 to achieve the best average performance (4.68 kg/plant) and a good average fruit weight (134.04 g); group 10 obtained 100% of fruits showing dark green flesh; in groups 6 and 8 there were individuals showing a high percentage of Brix degrees. In general, it was observed that there was variability in the expression of characteristics evaluated between groups and within them; consequently, a selection of individuals instead of groups is most appropriate. This variation is attributed in a good percentage to the genetic of the segregating population, constituting this aspect an important factor in breeding purposes of this crop.