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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Principal component analysis and sensory evaluation for trait-based selection in jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel) varieties

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13719
Submitted
18 January 2026
Published
29-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel) is an important exotic fruit crop cultivated in Kerala. The present study was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 for assessing morphological characteristics using principal component analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis based on Tocher’s method grouped the varieties into eight clusters for quantitative traits like fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, pulp weight, yield per tree, shelf life, pulp-to-seed ratio and peduncle length. The highest number of genotypes exhibiting quantitative traits was observed in Cluster V. The PCA revealed that eight principal components accounted for 71.2 % of the total variation in quantitative traits, with PC1 (58.0 %) and PC2 (13.2 %) contributing the most. Organoleptic evaluation of fruits from different jabuticaba varieties involved a comprehensive assessment of sensory characteristics such as appearance, taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability, all of which collectively influence consumer perception and preference. The integrated analysis of PCA, cluster analysis and sensory evaluation analysis identified Red Hybrid, Percoce, Escarlate, Novak Phitrantha and Sabara as promising elite varieties based on superior quantitative traits and sensory performance. Overall, the study signifies these varieties are suitable for cultivation in Kerala.

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