Evaluation of Elaegnus latifolia L in the North Eastern Hill region, India

Abstract

Elaeagnus latifolia L., locally known as Sohshang is a very important fruit species among the tribes of Meghalaya. The fruit has been grown for its edible fruits and ornamental value since time immemorial. A study was carried out to find the variation among genotypes of the species during 2015-17. Result showed significant variation among genotypes (p ≤ 0.05). RCE-2 was found to produce highest fruit length (3.63 cm) and fruit diameter (2.84 cm), while, maximum fruit weight and edible flesh content was observed in RCE-2 (21.79 g) and RCE-1 (81.09%), respectively. RCE-2 produced maximum value for all seed characteristics. Total soluble solid was recorded maximum in RCE-4 (11.2%), titratable acidity in RCE-2 (4.03%), fruit juice pH in RCE-4 (3.7) and ascorbic acid in RCE-3 (15.03 mg 100 g-1 pulp). Similarly, a significant correlation was obtained among different physico-chemical traits. Fruit weight showed positive correlation with edible flesh (0.856 * *), seed weight (0.9210 * *), titratable acidity (0.867 * *), but negatively correlated with total soluble solid (-0.774 *). Edible flesh had positive correlation with titratable acidity (0.903 * *) while had negative correlation with TSS (-0.878 * *) and ascorbic acid (-0.707 *). Therefore, in view of the above, popularization of the crops is the need of the hour. Variation observed might be useful for selection of promising genotypes and inclusion as parental line in breeding programme.