Physico-chemical variation in fruits of Pyrus pashia genotypes

Abstract

Pyrus pashia is considered as potential underutilized fruit crop for its taste, nutritive and market value. The study was conducted to find out variation among local genotypes of P. pashia in Khasi and Jaiòtia Hills of Meghalaya. Significant variation of physico-chemical characters of fruits was found among fruits of different genotypes (p d” 0.05). Fruit length ranged from 19.81 mm to 45.02 mm, fruit diameter (22.19-52.89 mm), fruit weight (5.69-71.21 g), pulp weight (3.80-42.96 g) and fruit volume (3.40-66.40 cc). While, irrespective of genotypes, fruit possessed eye basin and gritty pulp texture. Similarly, total soluble solids varies from 6.02 to 11.82%, titratable acidity (0.27-0.40%) and TSS:Titratable acidity (14.94-41.62). Peel a* value ranged from 9.74 to 17.54 in shoulder, 10.24-18.27 in middle and 9.53-17.28 in bottom portion of the fruit and seed weight ranging from 0.34 to 0.57 g. Genotype 3 showed promising for fruit dimension, fruit weight, pulp weight and fruit volume over other genotypes. Genotype–1 was found highest for TSS and minimum titratable acidity. Similarly, Genotype – 3 had appealing appearance as indicating by a* value. Therefore, variation observed might be useful for selection of promising genotypes and for inclusion as parental line in breeding programme.