ABSTRACT
Characterization of "|murtilla"| (Ugnl mollnae Turcz.) fruit at Cauquenes, Chile

Arturo Lavln A.1 y Alexls Vega M.2
 

In the 1993/94 growing season, at the Cauquenes Experimental Center (INIA), the growth of "murtilla" fruits (Ugni molinae Turcz.) was characterized in 72 accesses collected in nearby areas of Cauquenes. Dispersion values that show some characteristical variables of the berries are presented (diameters, weight, soluble solids, acidity, pH and color). It was concluded that in this area the"murtilla" fruit is a globular berry, rather wide of about 7 x 6 mm, weighing between 0.25 to 0.40 g. Usually with 22 to 25% of S.S., 4 to 8 g/L of acid (Iike tartaric), and a pH of 4.7 to 5.2. The predominant background color is Iight green, and sometimes yellowish green or light yellow. The predominant skin color is redish yellow or red.

Keywords: Ugni molinae, murtilla, wild native fruits.
1 Centro Experimental Cauquenes (INIA), Casilla 165, Cauquenes, Chile.
2 Departamento de Producción Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 1.004, Santiago, Chile.