Abstract

GIMENEZ, L. A. S.; RIVAS, M. A.; VIGNALE, N. D.  and  GURNI, A. A.. Micrographic characterization of three tropical fruits, Musa paradisii L., Persea americana Mill. and Physalis peruviana L., significance in the definition of botanical quality of derived foods. Polibotánica [online]. 2021, n.51, pp.155-170.  Epub May 06, 2021. ISSN 1405-2768.  https://doi.org/10.18387/polibotanica.51.10.

The tropical fruits Musa paradisii L., “banana” (pseudobaya), Persea americana Mill., “Avocado” (berry), and Physalis peruviana L., “aguaymanto” (berry), are used in the industry for different purposes, such as food, cosmetic and medicinal, among others. The aim of the present work was to define the micrographic identification pattern of these three tropical fruits. The micrographic method was applied, the techniques of which were: a. mild decoupling with 5% NaOH solution at 100 ° C for 5 min and observation under the light microscope after washing; b. strong decoupling for woody material with 10% KOH at 100 °C and then with 25% chromic acid for 30 to 60 min.; c. scraping with a sharp cutting element, taking part of the material (powder or wet) and observation; d. histochemical reactions with Lugol to detect starch and Sudan III for lipids. The following indicators are proposed as elements of referential value for “bananas”: raphidia and simple, eccentric starch grains and as complementary elements fibers; for “avocado”: brachisclereids, crystals and lipid drops; for “aguaymanto”: microcrystals, simple and compound starch grains, lipid drops, astrosclereids of seeds and fibers and lipid drops of the fruit as complementary features. These elements allow to undertake botanical quality analysis of products derived from the fruits of the studied species, establishing their genuinity and the presence of contaminats or adulterants. It should be noted that applied microscopy is a scientific method, which turns out to be an adequate to control and certify food from vegetables.

Keywords : micrograph; tropical fruit growing; banana; avocado; aguaymanto.

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