Physico-chemical changes during fruit growth and maturation in aonla cultivars

Abstract

The present study was carried out at Punjab agricultural University, MS Randhawa Fruit Research Station, Gangian, (Dasuya) during 2017-19. Fruits of six aonla cultivars: Krishna, Kanchan, Neelum, Chakaiya, Balwant and Desi (local seedling) were evaluated for changes in physico-chemical characteristics at different stages of fruit growth and maturation. Observations were recorded at 15 days interval starting from 120 days after fruit set (DAFS) up to 255 (DAFS). Results of different parameters revealed that fruit size, weight and stone weight showed gradually exponentially upward growth trends from initial stages of maturity up to final harvest. Similarly, TSS and ascorbic acid content were found maximum at final maturity and minimum during initial stages of fruit development. Total phenol content showed a decreasing trend with the maturity of the fruits. Reducing sugar and total sugars was increased with the advancement of maturity. Among different cultivars, fruit size, weight, stone weight and TSS attributes were higher in Kanchan and minimum in Desi seedlings. Juice, ascorbic acid and total phenol content was recorded in fruits of Desi seedlings. Total sugar and reducing sugars were significantly the highest in Kanchan and Krishna aonla cultivars. The varieties were characterized as early, mid and late season on the basis of physico-chemical parameters.

Keywords

• Aonla
• Growth and developmental stages
• Physico-chemical