Genetic variation of phytochemical compounds in progenies of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.
Keiko Leonice Nakamura; Euclides Lara Cardozo Junior; Carmem Maria Donaduzzi and Ivan Schuster
Abstract: Mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) contains phytochemical compounds capable of preventing a number of health problems. Knowledge on the genetic contribution to the variability in these compounds can help to obtain mate progenies with higher levels thereof in breeding programs. The composition of triterpene saponins, methylxanthines, chlorogenic acid and the antioxidant activity of eight mate progenies were evaluated. Significant differences among progenies were verified in contents of triterpene saponins (0.003-0.080%), caffeine (0.226-1.377%), theobromine (0.176-0.831%), and chlorogenic acid (1.344-2.031%) and in antioxidant activity (31.251-51.406%). The contents of theobromine were found to be negatively correlated with saponins and caffeine, and caffeine with chlorogenic acid, while theobromine was positively correlated with chlorogenic acid. The heritability values for saponins (75.09%), caffeine (75.19%), theobromine (66.87%), chlorogenic acid (52.86%) and antioxidant activity (67.75%) indicate the possibility of genetic gain in selection for these traits.