Changes in Physico-Chemical Parameters During Fruit Development Stage in Ber (Zizyphus Mauritiana Lamk.) Cultivars in Tarai Region

ABSTRACT

The study on changes in physico-chemical parameters of fruit on eight ber cultivars viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran and ZG-2 was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India during the season of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The experiment was laid out in two factors Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Sampling dates and cultivars were considered as the treatments. There were 11 sampling dates ranging from 28 to 168 days after full bloom (DAFB), with observations taken at biweekly interval. In pooled data at 168 DAFB, Sanaur-2 recorded the maximum (6.89) pH while the minimum (6.62) in Kalagola. Umran recorded the maximum (83.55) ascorbic acid while the minimum ascorbic acid content was found in Sanaur-4 (66.50). Chhuhara recorded the maximum (9.31) total sugars while the minimum (7.55) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (4.45) reducing sugars while the minimum (3.19) in Kalagola. Chinese recorded the maximum (5.08) non-reducing sugars while the minimum (4.06) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (138.38) TSS: acid ratio (Total soluble solids: acid ratio) and minimum (75.78) in Kalagola. The findings therefore imply that matured ber could be used for naturally occurring antioxidants and that the advanced ripening stage is the best time to collect fruit for fresh consumption or for commercial processing. Breeders will be helped by these kinds of studies to create new breeding programmes, find potential cultivars for breeding, and choose the best time to harvest for domestic and international markets.

KEYWORDS:

• Physico-chemical
• Ripening stage and fresh consumption
• Sampling dates
• Antioxidants

Acknowledgements

I feel extremely privileged to express profound sense of reverence and gratitude to Dr. Omveer Singh, Professor, Department of Horticulture and Chairman of my Advisory Committee for his authentic technical guidance and keen interest during the course of investigation and preparation of manuscript. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Head, Department of Horticulture, Dean, College of Agriculture, Dean, College of Post Graduate Studies, Registrar, University Librarian, Director, and Experiment Station for providing amenities in the entire course of this proposed investigation. I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Karishma Kohli for her cooperation and guidance during my research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.