Biochemical properties of yellow and red pulped papaya and its validation by molecular markers

In this study, the carotenoid profiles of yellow and red pulped papayas were analysed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and molecular markers linked to pulp colour were validated. The major carotenoids were the provitamin A carotenoid, beta-cryptoxanthin ranging from 0.56 +/- 0.12 mg 100 g(-1) in fresh papaya pulp to 1.13 +/- 0.02 mg 100 g(-1), beta-carotene from 0.12 +/- 0.04 mg 100 g(-1) to 0.82 +/- 0.1 mg 100 g(-1) and a-carotene from 0.07 +/- 0.01 mg 100 g(-1) to 0.38 +/- 0.08 mg 100 g(-1). The red-pulped papaya contained pro-vitamin A carotenoid along with a significant amount of lycopene (3.05 +/- 0.23 mg 100 g(-1)). Two red pulped genotypes Red Indian and Tainung-1 were found to contain high provitamin A levels and can be useful of breeding for this trait. Two Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers developed for early identification of pulp colour were found successful in discriminating yellow and red pulp coloured genotypes. These markers can be used in papaya breeding programme where pulp colour is a desired trait.