Combining ability of the antioxidant activity in extracts of jamaica calyces

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces present a significant percentage of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity in its composition, and these appear to be associated with the prevention of diseases generated by oxidative stress and cardiovascular problems. These qualities may be increased through genetic improvement; the estimation of genetic parameters is useful in making decisions in an improvement program. The aim of this study was to determine the general combining ability (GCA), specific (SCA) and heterosis of the antioxidant activity of extracts from hibiscus calyces. China (1) Reina (2) and Huajicori Creole (3) varieties and three single crosses (2x1, 2x3 and 3x1) were used. Four measurement methods were used: total phenolic compounds (TPC), the antioxidant activity was determined by the methods: chelating activity (CA), DPPH • and ABTS • +. A completely randomized design was used with three repetitions and an average comparison test (Tukey, 0.05) was performed. The dialelic analysis showed statistical differences (p<0.01) in the variation sources of crosses, GCA and SCA. The highest significant GCA effects (p<0.01) were shown by China for TPC, DPPH • and ABTS • +, whereas for SCA crosses 2x3 showed positive effects (p<0.01) and the rest expressed negative values. In the average tests, China presented the highest values for TPC, DPPH• and ABTS•+ with 306.4 ± 34.1 (GAE mg L-1), 1,598.8 ± 88.8 (µmol ET L-1) and 269.6 ± 6.7 (AE/100 mL) respectively. Expressions of heterosis were not found. The samples did not show CA. For future genetic improvement studies, the use of selection methods is recommended.