Phenotypic correlation between leaf characters and physical and chemical aspects of cv. Vitória pineapple fruit

Abstract By considering the few studies related to pineapple cv. Vitória, to know the relationships between the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits, and they with the “D” leaf, is fundamental. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationships between “D” leaf, with the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits of pineapple cv. Vitória, under the edaphoclimatic conditions in the North of the State of Espírito Santo. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design in split-plot arrangement with four replications. The data obtained from 433 individually evaluated fruits were analyzed, as it follows: 84 at planting in July and induction at 8 months; 98 at planting in July and induction at 10 months; 84 at planting in July and induction at 12 months; 59 at planting in September and induction at 8 months; 50 at planting in September and induction at 10 months; 58 at planting in September and induction at 12 months. Pearson’s correlation was performed between the characteristics of “D” leaf (length and width) and the physical and chemical aspects of fruits (mass of the fruits with and without crown, fruit length and diameter, pulp volume, translucent area, soluble solids and titratable acidity) for the six treatments. Most of the relationships among the 11 characteristics evaluated were of low magnitude in the six treatments, but correlations of high magnitude and practical application of interest to plant scientists, breeders, farmers and consumers were found. The length and width of the “D” leaf should not be used as indicators of physical and chemical qualities of cv. Vitória. Fruits with higher mass, with or without crown or larger width or diameter present higher pulp content. Fruits with higher mass, with or without crown have lower content of soluble solids.