Characterization of carob varieties and their selection based on productive and commercial interest

Abstract

This paper describes a study to identify from a set of 27 varieties of carob from the germplasm bank of the Agrofood Research and Technology Institute (IRTA, from the Catalan) at Mas Bové which ones have a better productive capacity and a better carob seed yield, determining the pomological characteristics (the physical features of the fruit, seed, etc.) that can facilitate a mechanized harvesting of their fruits. To this end, the study presents a comparative analysis of 27 varieties of carob based on their fruit and seed characteristics, assessing the possible influence of their respective geographical origins. On the basis of the data obtained from the characterization process, we seek to identify the varieties that offer higher yields of carob, and those that have features facilitating their harvesting. Lastly, in percentage terms we compare the average value of the pomological characteristics of the varieties studied and that of the most commonly cultivated varieties. The statistical model used in this study is based on a variance analysis with the dependent metric variables (weight, width, thickness, length...) and two independent variables (geographical origin and carob tree variety). This study shows the importance of the “geographical latitude” of origin in determining the fruit biomass and seed yield, with a view to obtaining a higher carob gum (E-410) production in the food industry.