Diversity in morphological and some chemical traits of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa germplasm explored from Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Bael is an important indigenous minor fruit crop of India. Considering its importance, exploring diversity and germplasm collection was conducted in the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (ABR), spreading to three districts of Chhattisgarh state. A total of 35 diverse samples of bael germplasm were collected, of which 21 distinct types were analyzed for various quantitative and qualitative traits. A large amount of variability was recorded in the shape, size, shell thickness, and content of health-promoting bioactive compounds. The highest fruit weight (2.54 kg) was observed for accession IC0645501 followed by accession IC0645463 (1.40 kg), while accession IC0645480 exhibited the lowest fruit weight (77.65 g). IC0645487 showed the highest total soluble solids (TSS) content (54.16°Brix) and IC0645499 had the lowest TSS content (26.81°Brix). Maximum carotenoid content was recorded in IC0645485 (6.21 µg/ g) and lowest in IC0645501 (0.62 µg/ g) showing 9.5 fold variation. FRAP antioxidant activity ranged from 0.095 to 0.202 mg/ g GAE and total phenolics varied from 1.22 (IC0645501) to 2.27 mg/g GAE (IC0645480). Distinct accessions for better fruit quality traits like large size, high pulp weight ratio, low seeds etc. have great potential for breeding and improvement in bael.