Skip to main content

Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) reproductive physiology: a review

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution volume 67, pages 293–311 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is a delicious fruit with numerous health-related properties. This fruit is cultivated throughout the Amazon basin. It originated in the upper Amazon region in Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Flowers are actinomorphic and pedunculate. Cocona has long style and short style flowers. Flowering occurs continuously throughout the year. Stem bifurcation marks the transition from vegetative to reproductive stage. Pollen is round-shaped and 20 µm wide. The plant is autogamous with frequent allogamy. Insect pollination is mediated mainly by bees. Fruit development has been divided into four stages namely, light green, dark green, yellow-green and dark orange. Fruit growth is characterized by a sigmoid growth type. Cocona fruits are climacteric, but also non-climacteric depending on genotype and cultivar. This plant has been crossed with other Solanum species producing viable offspring. Breeding programs have crossed several varieties with different fruit shapes. This paper aims to review flower morphology, flowering, pollen physiology, autogamy and allogamy, insect pollination, fruit development, fruit morphology, seed germination, hybridization, health-related properties, genetic diversity and chromosome number in cocona.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 2

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 3

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 6

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 7

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 8

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 9

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 10

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 13

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 14

Reproduced with permission

Fig. 15

Reproduced with permission

References

  • Andrade Júnior M, Souza Andrade J (2012) Physicochemical changes in cubiu fruits (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) at different ripening stages. Ciênc Tecnol Aliment 32:250–254. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-20612012005000049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrade Júnior M, Souza Andrade J (2015) Changes in pectinases, dietary fibers, and physicochemical indices related to the flavor of cubiu fruits during ripening. Acta Sci 37:171–179. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v37i2.19683

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrade Júnior M, Souza Andrade J, de Souza Costa S (2016) Biochemical changes of cubiu fruits (Solanum Dunal, Solanaceae) according to different tissue portions and ripening stages. Food Nutr Sci 07:1191–1219. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2016.712111

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anteparra M, Ruiz S, Granado L, Díaz W (2012) Entomofauna asociada con la cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) en Tingo María, Huánuco. Investig y Amaz 2:51–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Avila-Sosa R, Montero-Rodríguez AF, Aguilar-Alonso P et al (2019) Antioxidant properties of Amazonian fruits: a mini review of in vivo and in vitro studies. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2019:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8204129

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett B, Baker M, Gómez Andrade P (2002) Ethnobotany of the Shuar of Eastern Ecuador. Econ Bot 14:1–299. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057%5b0145:br%5d2.0.co;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bentes Barbosa C, do Nascimento Ferreira S, Fernandes da Silva Filho D (2001) Beneficiamento e viabilidade de sementes de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum). In: X Jornada de Iniciação Científica do PIBICIINPA. Manaus, pp 331–334

  • Bernardello LM, Heiser CB, Piazzano M (1994) Karyotypic studies in Solanum section Lasiocarpa (Solanaceae). Am J Bot 81:95–103. https://doi.org/10.2307/2445568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boufleuher LM, Schuelter AR, Luz CL et al (2008) In vitro propagation of Solanum sessiliflorum as affected by auxin and cytokinin combinations and concentrations. Asian J Plant Sci 7:639–646. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajps.2008.639.646

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brücher H (1968) Die genetischen Reserven Sudamcrikes für die Kulturpflanzen züchtung. Theor Appl Genet 38:9–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cardona J, Barrera J, García A et al (2011a) Variaciones fisicoquímicas en el desarrollo de tres morfotipos de cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) en dos ambientes de cultivo del departamento del Guaviare. In: Estudios ecofisiológicos en la Amazonia colombiana 2. Cocona (Solanun sessilliflorum Dunal). Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas - Sinchi, Bogotá, pp 25–44

  • Cardona J, Barrera J, Hernández M, Cuca L (2011b) Cocona (Solanum sessilliflorum Dunal). In: Estudios ecofisiológicos en la Amazonia colombiana 2. Cocona (Solanun sessilliflorum Dunal). Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas - Sinchi, Bogotá, pp 13–24

  • Cardona J, Cuca L, Barrera J (2011c) Determination of some secondary metabolites in three ethnovarieties of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Rev Colomb Química 40:185–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Cardona-Jaramillo JEC, Cuca LE, Barrera JA, Hernández MS (2014) Cuantificación de Carotenoides en Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) como Indicador del Momento de Recolección. Acta Hortic 1016:61–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cardoso AADS (2011) Análise genética em populações de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum, Dunal) cultivadas na região do Rio Negro, no estado do Amazonas. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia

  • Clement CR (2006) A center of crop genetic diversity in western Amazonia. Bioscience 39:624–631. https://doi.org/10.2307/1311092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clements C, Alwang J, Barrera V, Dominguez JM (2017) Graft is good: the economic and environmental benefits of grafted naranjilla in the Andean region. Renew Agric Food Syst 32:306–318. https://doi.org/10.1017/S174217051600020X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Filho DF (1998) Cocona (Solanum sessilifolium Dunal): cultivo y utilización. Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica, Caracas

    Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Filho DF (2013) Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal): aspectos agronômicos e nutricionais. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus

    Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Filho DF, Clement CR, Noda H (1989) Variação fenotípica em frutos de doze introduções de Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) avaliadas em Manaus, AM, Brasil. Acta Amaz 19:9–18. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-43921989191018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Filho DF, Anunciação Filho C, Noda H, Ov R (1995) Análise multivariada da divergência genética em 29 populações de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) avaliada na zona da mata do estado de Pernambuco. Acta Amaz 25:171–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Filho DF, Yuyama LKO, Aguiar JPL et al (2005) Caracterização e avaliação do potencial agronômico e nutricional de etnovariedades de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) da Amazônia. Acta Amaz 35:399–405. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0044-59672005000400003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Vasques M, do Nascimento Ferreira S, Fernandes da Silva Filho D (2004) Avaliação da dormência em sementes de diferentes etnovariedades de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). In: Xlll Jornada de Iniciação Científica do PIBIC/CNPq/FAPEAM/INPA. Manaus, pp 201–202

  • Davis E, Yost J (1983) The ethnobotany of the Waorani of eastern Ecuador. Bot Museum Leafl Harvard Univ 29:159–217

    Google Scholar 

  • Donadio L, Moro F, Servidone A (2002) Frutas Brasileiras. Editora Novos Talentos, São Paulo

    Google Scholar 

  • dos Santos LA, Bueno CR, Clement CR (2000) Influência da temperatura na germinação de sementes de Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) no escuro. Acta Amaz 30:671. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-43922000304675

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duarte O (1997) Cocona. Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, El Zamorano

    Google Scholar 

  • Duarte O (2011) Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). In: Yahia E (ed) Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits. Woodhead Publishing, Wallingford, pp 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Duarte O, Paull R (2015) Exotic fruits and nuts of the New World. CABI, Wallingford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Duarte O, Leiva R, Huete M (2000) Estudios de la propagación sexual y asexual de la cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Proc Interam Soc Trop Hortic 44:98–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Duarte O, Leiva R, Huete M (2002) Estudios de la propagación sexual y asexual de la cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Proc Interam Soc Trop Hortic 44:98–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonçalves KM, Soldati PP, Silva A et al (2013) Biological activities of Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal. Biosci J 29:1028–1037

    Google Scholar 

  • Heiser CB (1972) The relationships of the Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense. Biotropica 4:77–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heiser CB (1985) Ethnobotany of the naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) and its relatives. Econ Bot 39:4–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heiser CB (1987) Origins of Solanum lasiocarpum and S. repandum. Am J Bot 74:1045–1048. https://doi.org/10.2307/2443943

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heiser CB (1993) The naranjilla (Solanum quitoense), the cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum) and their hybrid. In: Gustafson P, Appels R, Raven P (eds) Gene conservation and exploitation. Springer, Boston, pp 29–34

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Heiser C, Soria J, Miller C, Anderson G (2005) A new synthetic allopolyploid naranjilla, Solanum indianense (Solanaceae). Novon 15:290–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Janick P, Paull R (2008) The encyclopedia of fruit & nuts. CABI, Wallingford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Jiménez P (2018) Cocona—Solanum sessiliflorum. In: Rodrigues S, de Oliveira Silva E, Sousa de Brito E (eds) Exotic fruits reference guide. Academic Press, San Diego, pp 153–158

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lim T (2013) Edible medicinal and non-medicinal plants. Springer, Dordrecht

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lopes JC, Pereira MD (2005) Germinação de sementes de cubiu em diferentes substratos e temperaturas. Rev Bras Sementes 27:146–150. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-31222005000200021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maia JRP, Schwertz MC, Sousa RFS et al (2015) Efeito hipolipemiante da suplementação dietética com a farinha do cubiu (Solanum sessiliforum dunal) em ratos hipercolesterolêmicos. Rev Bras Plantas Med 17:112–119. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-084X/11_163

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marx F, Andrade EHA, Guilherme Maia J (1998) Chemical composition of the fruit of Solanum sessiliflorum. Zeitschrift für Leb und -forsch A 206:364–366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002170050274

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Molina Ayme Y (2011) Estudio etnobotánico y etnofarmacólogico de plantas medicinales de Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Perú. Cienc Desarro 14:7–26. https://doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v14i0.1140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno C, Quiñones JR, Jiménez P (2016) Phenological growth stages of Solanum sessiliflorum according to BBCH scale. Ann Appl Biol 168:151–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/aab.12251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morton J (1987) Cocona Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal. Fruits of warm climates. Echo Point Books & Media, Miami, pp 428–430

    Google Scholar 

  • Murashige T, Skoog F (1962) A revised medium for rapid growth and bio assays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol Plant 15:473–497. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.1962.tb08052.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Odonne G, Valadeau C, Alban-Castillo J et al (2013) Medical ethnobotany of the Chayahuita of the Paranapura basin (Peruvian Amazon). J Ethnopharmacol 146:127–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.014

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ordóñez C, Gómez H, Ordóñez H, Lagos T (2012) Evaluación de un sistema de propagación vegetativa mediante esquejes en lulo silvestre Solanum hirtum Vahl, S. marginatum L.f., S. sessiliflorum Dun, S. mammosum L. y S. umbellatum Mill - Dialnet. Rev Ciencias Agrícolas 29:29–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Pahlen A (1977) Cubiu [Solanum topiro (Humb & Bonpl.)], uma fruteira da Amazônia. Acta Amaz 7:301–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paiva W (1999) Natural outcrossing in cocona. Pesq Agropec Bras 34:145–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pedrollo CT, Kinupp VF, Shepard G, Heinrich M (2016) Medicinal plants at Rio Jauaperi, Brazilian Amazon: ethnobotanical survey and environmental conservation. J Ethnopharmacol 186:111–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.055

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira MD, Dos Santos CEM, Filho SM (2011) Germinação de sementes de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Rev Bras Ciencias Agrar 6:79–84. https://doi.org/10.5039/agraria.v6i1a962

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pizzinato JR, Schuelter AR, Teixeira A et al (2008) Crossing and diagnostic methods of cubiu hybrid plants based on genetic markers. Crop Breed Appl Biotechnol 8:283–290

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prance GT, Campbell DG, Nelson BW (1977) The ethnobotany of the Paumarí Indians. Econ Bot 31:129–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866582

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramírez F, Davenport T (2019) The phenology of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam) characterized by landmark and BBCH phenological scales. Int J Fruit Sci. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2019.1613470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramírez F, Kallarackal J (2019) Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) reproductive physiology: a review. Sci Hortic 248:206–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramírez F, Fischer G, Davenport TL et al (2013) Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) phenology according to the BBCH phenological scale. Sci Hortic 162:39–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2013.07.033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramírez F, Kallarackal J, Davenport TL (2018) Lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) reproductive physiology: a review. Sci Hortic 238:163–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.04.046

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rascio N, Camani A, Sacchetti L et al (2002) Acclimatization trials of some Solanum species from Amazonas Venezuela at the Botanical Garden of Padova. Econ Bot 56:306–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivas M, Asprilla N (2008) Regeneración in vitro de plantas a partir de explantes foliares del lulo chocoano, Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal vía organogénesis. Rev Inst Univ Tecnológica del Chocó Investig Biodivers y Desarro 27:92–95. https://doi.org/10.18636/BIODESARROLLO.V27I1.439

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigues Cordeiro A, Nair de Oliveira M (1991) Regeneração in vitro de vários acessos de Solanum topiro Humb. & Blonp. e S. sessiliflorum Dun (cúbio). Pesq Agropec Bras 26:1931–1936

    Google Scholar 

  • Romani I, Schuelter AR, Mora F et al (2009) Calli induction through anther culture in peach-tomato plants (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Asian J Plant Sci 8:199–205. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajps.2009.199.205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salick J (1992) Crop domestication and the evolutionary ecology of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). In: Hecht M, Wallace B, Ross J (eds) Evolutionary biology. Springer, New York, pp 247–285

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sandoval MAP (2010) Efecto in vitro del extracto de Solanum sessiliflorum “cocona” sobre el crecimiento de Heli-cobacter pylori. Cienc Invest 13:30–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuelter A, Leonardi da Luz C, Dal’Maso A et al (2008) Germinação in vitro de grãos de pólen e efeito da proteção das plantas na frutificação de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Acta Sci 30:539–545. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v30i4.5315

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schuelter AR, Grunvald AK, Amaral AT et al (2009) In vitro regeneration of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum, Solanaceae) cultivars for commercial production. Genet Mol Res 8:963–975. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol8-3gmr613

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schultes RE, Romero-Castañeda R (1962) Edible fruits of Solanum in Colombia. Bot Mus Lealf Harv Univ 19:235–286. https://doi.org/10.2307/41762219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sereno AB, Bampi M, dos Santos IE et al (2018) Mineral profile, carotenoids and composition of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), a wild Brazilian fruit. J Food Compos Anal 72:32–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JFCA.2018.06.001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silva Filho D (2005) Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal): Cultivo y utilización. Secretaria Pro-tempore, Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica, Caracas

    Google Scholar 

  • Silva Filho D, Andrade J, Clement C et al (1999) Phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations between morphological and chemical descriptors in fruits of cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) in Amazonia. Acta Amaz 29:503–511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silva Filho D, Noda H, Yuyama K et al (2003) Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal): uma planta medicinal nativa da Amazonia em processo de seleção para o cultivo em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Rev Bras Plantas Med 5:65–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Silva Vasques M, do Nascimento Ferreira S, de Oliveira Gentil D, Silva Filho DF da (2003) Avaliação do vigor de sementes de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). In: XII Jornada de Iniciação Científica do PIBIC/INPA/CNPq. Manaus, pp 139–140

  • Stefanello S, Christoffoli P, Frantz G et al (2008) Germinação de sementes armazenadas de cubiu sob diferentes condições de luz. Sci Agrar 9:363. https://doi.org/10.5380/rsa.v9i3.11565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stefanello S, Scapim CA, Schuelter AR et al (2018) Plant cell culture and micropropagation somatic embryogenesis induction in cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Plant Cell Cult Micropropag 14:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Storti EF (1988) Biologia floral de Solanum sessiliflorum Dun. Var. sessiliflorum, na região de Manaus, AM. Acta Amaz 18:55–65. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-43921988183065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasquez R, Gentry A (1989) Use and misuse of forest-harvested fruits in the Iquitos Area. Conserv Biol 3:350–361

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vickers W, Plowman T (1984) Useful plants of the Siona and Secoya Indians of Eastern Ecuador. Fieldi- ana Bota 15:1–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Volpato G, Marcucci R, Tornadore N, Paoletti MG (2006) Domestication process of two Solanum section Lasiocarpa species among Amerindians in the Upper Orinoco, Venezuela, with Special Focus on Piaroa Indians. Econ Bot 54:184–194. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058%5b0184:dpotss%5d2.0.co;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen MD, Anderson GJ (1981) Distribution of gametophytic self-incompatibility and infrageneric classification in Solanum. Taxon 30:761. https://doi.org/10.2307/1220077

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen M, Costich D, Heiser C (1981) Taxonomy of Solanum section Lasiocarpa. Gentes Herb 41–129:12

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuyama L, Macedo S, Aguiar J et al (2007) Quantificação de macro e micro nutrientes em algumas etnovariedades de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal). Acta Amaz 37:425–430. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0044-59672007000300014

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to L. Marien for her support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bogotá, Colombia

    Fernando Ramírez

Authors
  1. Fernando Ramírez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fernando Ramírez.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Human and animal rights

This research did not involve human participants or animals.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ramírez, F. Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) reproductive physiology: a review. Genet Resour Crop Evol 67, 293–311 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-019-00870-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-019-00870-x

Keywords

  • Solanaceae
  • Amazon
  • Long style flowers
  • Pollination
  • Fruit development