Characterization of carotenoid accumulation in different hybrids from the Uruguayan Citrus Breeding Program.

ABSTRACT. The citrus family (Rutaceae) is a very complex and diverse source of carotenoids. Carotenoid profile and content varies greatly among different species, cultivars and even fruit tissues (e.g., flavedo and juice sacs). In Uruguay, the Citrus Breeding Program is focused on obtaining good quality seedless mandarin cultivars for the fresh market. One of the strategies to improve the nutritional value of citrus, is to increase the accumulation of antioxidant compounds in the fruit pulp.