A comparison of the morphological and physicochemical characteristics of ten carambola cultivars

Abstract

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) is a commercial fruit crop predominantly grown in south Florida, USA, for the local market. Ten carambola cultivars from the USDA-ARS germplasm collection in Miami, Florida, were evaluated on a Krome gravely loam soil for sweetness, acidity, size and color. Physical characteristics of fruits were determined by measuring fruit length, diameter and weight. Carambola physicochemical characteristics were determined by measuring the Brix, pH, firmness and fruit color (L*, a*, b*). Tean Ma' had a significantly lower pH than other cultivars used in the study. 'Hew 1' was significantly longer and 'Fwang Tung' had a significantly greater diameter compared to other carambolas. The L value for 'Arkin' was significantly lower than for other carambola cultivars but the b* value of 'Wheeler' was significantly higher. There was a significantly greater amount of seeds produced by 'Arkin' in comparison to other cultivars used in the study. The results demonstrated that 'Kary', 'Key West', and 'Wheeler' produced large sweet fruit and could be planted in the hot humid South Florida environment.