Phenotypic and Biochemical Characterisation of the Newly Developed Cultivar of Momordica charantia – Brâncuşi

Abstract

Our study aimed to carry out a phenotypic and biochemical characterization of the newly-developed cv. of Momordica charantia namely BRÂNCUȘI. Momordica charantia contains biologically active plant chemicals as confirmed by the latest studies. Our germplasm collection consists of 30 varieties, from which BRÂNCUŞI variety was bred by repeated individual selection. The working methods consisted in phenotypic and biometrical observations. The biochemical analyses were performed by organoleptic and physico chemical examinations of 3 variants of processed fruit: powder, paste and dried fruit. BRÂNCUŞI variety presents a distinct phenotypic expressiveness with white immature fruit and the highest yield per plant, of 9.2 kg. The highest percentage of total invert sugar, 1.18 % but also carbohydrates 69.4 % was obtained in the fine powder variant, which outlines a specific direction of use with numerous benefits in human nutrition and health. BRÂNCUŞI variety has distinct phenotypic characteristics that confer uniqueness compared to other varieties.