Unveiling the Biotechnological and Agronomic Potential of Amazonian Fruit Species from the Genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae): Functional Traits and Applied Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of Amazonian Eugenia fruit species for agriculture and biotechnology, highlighting their traits and challenges for domestication.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of Eugenia's functional traits and biotechnological potential, emphasizing its role in sustainable agriculture and the bioeconomy.

Findings

Eugenia species have morphofunctional traits suitable for domestication and cultivation.

The genus shows molecular and phytochemical diversity useful for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Challenges like irregular fruiting and limited germplasm conservation hinder its full potential.

Abstract

Eugenia (Myrtaceae) is a highly diverse genus of fruit trees native to the Amazon with remarkable potential for food, nutritional, and biotechnological applications. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on morphofunctional traits, ecological strategies, and genetic resources that make several Eugenia species promising candidates for domestication and cultivation. Its main attributes include shrubby growth habits, racemose inflorescences, nutrient-rich fruits with few seeds, recalcitrant yet viable propagules, and wide distribution across the Americas. Their molecular and phytochemical diversity suggests applications in food systems, pharmaceuticals, and bioindustries. However, key challenges persist, such as irregular fruiting, postharvest perishability, limited germplasm conservation in degraded areas, prospecting biotechnological applications such as antioxidants, and insufficient genomic characterization. By addressing these gaps, Eugenia domestication could contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the bioeconomy of remote Amazonian regions, thereby positioning this genus as a strategic resource in the face of biodiversity loss.

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