Potencial produtivo de cultivares de lúpulo no cerrado mineiro

Abstract

The present study conducted agronomic and chemical evaluations of six hop cultivars (Humulus lupulus. L.) over two growing seasons in the Triângulo Mineiro region, to characterize their suitability for Brazil’s Cerrado biome. In the first season, plant height, stem diameter, and fresh and dry cone mass were measured, along with ash content, chlorophylls, and carotenoids; in the second season, biometric traits were reassessed and α‑ and β‑acid levels were quantified on composite samples. Biometric variables underwent ANOVA and the averages were compared by the Scott‑Knott test; Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships between vegetative and reproductive traits. Results showed that, in the first season, Saaz and Triple Pearl exhibited 30.7% greater height and up to 375% greater cone mass compared to the other cultivars (p ≤ 0.05), whereas no significant differences among genotypes were detected in the second season (p > 0.05). Height and stem diameter were strongly correlated in both seasons (p ≤ 0.01), and fresh and dry cone mass displayed a very strong correlation (r ≥ 0.8). Chinook and Triumph had the highest ash content (≈6.6%) in contrast with Saaz (2.48%); Chinook and Comet had 53.5% greater carotenoid levels than the other cultivars. α‑Acid concentrations varied between seasons, with increases up to 1.67% in Chinook, and β‑acid levels rose by as much as 1.48% in Triple Pearl, reflecting a strong genotype×season interaction and harvest timing effects. In conclusion, cultivar selection should balance vegetative vigor, cone yield, and chemical profile according to production goals (refined aroma versus intense bitterness), underscoring the potential of hop cultivation in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais state.