Eugenia Lutescens x Pyriformis - Sweet Uvaia - GERMINATED

Seeds were imported from Argentina. A study reports the development and characterization of a new interspecific hybrid between Eugenia pyriformis (the Uvaia or Uvalha) and Eugenia lutescens, two Myrtaceae species native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The hybrid, designated 'Sweet Uvaia,' combines the genetic material of its parental species, resulting in distinct phenotypic traits. The 'Sweet Uvaia' hybrid exhibits a shrub/small tree habit reaching 5-15m height. It has an open canopy architecture. The evergreen leaves are elliptic to obovate. The hybrid fruits are globose, 2.0-4.0 cm diameter, with a thin, smooth pericarp. Notably, the 'Sweet Uvaia' produces fruits with exceptionally high brix levels (16-20%) compared to its parental species (6-10% for E. pyriformis). The interspecific hybridization combines the genetic backgrounds of E. pyriformis and E. lutescens, manifesting in the distinct vegetative and reproductive traits of 'Sweet Uvaia.' The marked increase in fruit sweetness suggests complementation or heterosis of sugar metabolism genes from the parental genomes. This novel hybrid expands the genetic diversity available for Eugenia crop improvement and food security initiatives focused on neglected/underutilized Brazilian fruit trees. The 'Sweet Uvaia' interspecific hybrid unlocks new genetic potential by combining two wild Brazilian Eugenia species. Its superior fruit quality warrants further agronomic evaluation for potential commercialization as a specialty high-brix tropical fruit crop for sustainable horticulture systems. Seeds are germinated and are shipped in vermiculite.