PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRUITS AND SEEDS Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd. (Fabaceae - Mimosaceae)

The main physical and morphological characteristics of Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd. (Fabaceae –Mimosaceae) fruits and seeds, and correlation estimates between these characteristics were investigate in this study. Mature fruits of I. laurina were collected from matrices trees established in a savannah area located at the municipality of Cassilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The length, width, and thickness of 100 fruits and 100 seeds were measured. The fresh mass of fruits, pulp and seeds, and seed number per fruit were quantified. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, adjustment of statistical distributions, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis (rS). The I. laurina presents variation in the size and weight of fruits, pulp, and seeds, which can be explored for breeding programs and should be considered in the formation of seed lots that are more homogeneous. The fruits of I. laurina species are composed of 41% of pulp, 39% of bark and 20% of the seed. The greater fruit pulp yield can be optimized with the selection of fruits with greater fresh mass and longer due to the high degree of association between these characteristics and the pulp yield. The fruit length is a good indication in the selection of seeds with greater weight.