Characterization of different syzygium cumini skeels accessions based on physico-chemical attributes and phytochemical investigations

Abstract

Objective: To study variability in respect to physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics of fruits. Methods: The twelve accessions with uniform growth and vigour were selected to study physico-chemical characteristics of the fruits. Physical analysis was performed by different qualitative methods in the seed and pulp of fruits of different maturity stages. Results: The selected accessions were characterized on the basis of physico-chemical screening by comparing presence of phytoconstituents at different stages of maturity in different parts of the fruits. The preliminary phytochemical screening in pulp and seed of fruits of different accessions clearly indicates the significant difference among all the accessions. The dendrogram was constructed to examine the variability in relation to physico-chemical attributes of different accessions. The cluster analysis was carried out based on physico-chemical attributes of the fruits of different accessions that grouped in to four major clusters. The dendrogram constructed on the basis of biochemical characteristics showed the same clustering of accessions as that of the grouping of accessions showed in dendrogram based on biochemical attributes. However, accessions J– 51 and J–55 that grouped together in the dendrogram from different geographical regions. The grouping of different accessions may be based on their genetic makeup of plant however, some of the variation was also observed among accessions due to change in weather conditions during growth and development of fruits. Conclusion: The significant variability was observed with respect to physico-chemical characteristics of fruits of different accessions. The S. cumini accessions grouped in to different clusters according to their physico-chemical properties that give useful insight into their genetic relationships.