From fruits to seeds: an integrated approach for the sustainable exploitation of Euterpe edulis Martius grown at different altitudes, with bibliometric, genotypic, morphophysiological and physicochemical analyses

The predatory exploitation of the juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius) for the extraction of hearts of palm has caused its inclusion on the list of endangered species, which reduces the seed bank with incalculable ecological losses. This study aimed to analyze genotypes of E. edulis from the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais grown at different altitudes and select the best individuals regarding the physical and chemical quality of fruits and morphophysiological quality of seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 20 treatments and four replicates of 25 seeds. The genotypes were georeferenced and analyzed regarding morphology, production, physical and chemical analyses of fruits, and physiological quality of seeds and seedlings. The genotypes located in Lagoa Seca (Alegre-ES) and Pedra Menina (Dores do Rio Preto-ES/Espera Feliz-MG) were found at altitudes of 704.3–742.7 m and 916–1210 m, respectively. The Pedra Menina genotypes have fruits with anthocyanin levels 146% higher than those from Lagoa Seca, with flavonoids in most genotypes, but lower pulp yield. The highest seedling emergence rates among the genotypes were from Lagoa Seca (87%) and Pedra Menina (85%), with no significant difference between them. However, greater vigor was observed in the seeds of the Pedra Menina genotypes due to the higher germination speed (1.5 times faster).