Seasonal variation in lycopene and β -carotene content in Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. (Gac fruit) genotypes

摘要

Gac fruit ( Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng.) is a good source of lycopene and β -carotene, and it has high potential to be used as functional food. However, phytochemicals could be affected by seasonal variations. The objective of this study was to evaluate seasonal variations in lycopene content, beta-carotene content and agronomic traits in Gac fruit. Three Gac fruit genotypes were arranged in RCBD with three replications and harvested over three seasons. Lycopene and β -carotene content were analyzed by HPLC. The season significantly affected concentrations of lycopene, β -carotene and total carotenoids in Gac fruits. KKU ac.10-087 and KKU ac.09-030 had the highest lycopene in the summer season whilst KKU ac.10-087 also had the highest lycopene in the dry season. Seasonal and genotypic variations were important sources of variations in lycopene, β -carotene and total carotenoids in Gac fruits.