Abstract

Properties of Genotype and Environment on Diterpene Glycosides Content and Composition of the Sweet Herb, Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni Cultivated in Morocco

Author(s): Abdelkarim Khiraoui, Abdelali Boulli, Fatima Zahra Amchra, Abderrahmane Benhmimou, Ahmed Douaik, Aziz Hasib, Mohamed Bakha, Chaouki Al Faiz

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub of the Asteraceae family, native to Paraguay. This plant is in high demand by the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries as a source of steviol glycosides (SVglys) contained in the leaves. It is an alternative source of non-caloric and high potency natural sweeteners. S. rebaudiana produces steviol glycoside sweeteners in its leaves that are up to 240 times sweeter than sugar. The two main SVglys are stevioside and rebaudioside A. As an introduced species in Morocco, it is important to elucidate the genetic variability and relatedness among stevia accessions in order to broaden the genetic basis for future stevia breeding. Along with an evaluation of the chemical variability of S. rebaudiana genotypes (SVglys content and composition), this study investigates the effect of perennial cultivation on the difference these genotypes through an experiment conducted in six locations in Morocco. HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis of the genotypes showed a high variability in SVgly content (from 11.4% to 19.1% DM). Moreover, the stevioside content varied between 6.49% (Berkane) to 9.56% (Agadir) and rebaudioside A content varied between 2.95% (Larache) to 5.74% (Berkane), The dendrogram separated the 55 genotypes into four main groups have been identified. The different variabilities observed among of S. rebaudiana genotypes are a promising indicator towards the development of new stevia varieties. This valuable information will be able to assist parental selection in future stevia breeding programs

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