International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

ISSN 2167-0447

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 535-537, July, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of apricot cultivars based on physico-chemical characteristics observed under temperate conditions

M.Y. Bhat, Bilal.A. Padder, *Imtiyaz A. Wani, F. A. Banday, HafizaAhsan, M.A. Dar and AbidA.Lone

Division of Fruit Science Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Shalimar Srinagar- 191121 (J&K)

*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 03 April, 2013 

Abstract

The investigation was undertaken to evaluate improved cultivars on the basis of physico-chemical characteristics in Australian Sweet, Kaisha, Conian Italy, Roundel, Quetta and Charmagz cultivars. Physico-Chemical characteristics of apricot cultivars at harvest revealed that the maximum fruit length can be (37.06) mm and diameter (38.19) mm in cultivar Conian Italy. The shape of the fruit varied from flatish round (Conian Italy and Kaisha) to oval or heart shaped (Australian Sweet, Charmagz, and Roundel). Maximum fruit weight was recorded in cultivar Conian Italy (34.5g) and cultivar Quetta recorded the minimum fruit weight (24.00g). Maximum fruit volume (33.82cm3) was recorded in cultivar Conian Italy. Maximum fruit density (1.04g/cm2) was recorded in cultivar Quetta. Fruit firmness differed significantly  and maximum  fruit firmness (3.11lbs/sq inch) was recorded in cultivar Roundel followed by Charmagz (2.62lbs/sq inch). Fruit skin colour  score of (6.00pt) orange  was recorded in cultivar Quetta  followed by Kaisha (5.00pt) light orange. Maximum organoleptic rating of (9.00pt) excellent was recorded in cultivar Charmagz. Maximum TSS (21.80%) was recorded in cultivar Charmagz and minimum was recorded in cultivar Quetta. Maximum fruit acidity (1.92%) was recorded in cultivar Conian Italy and minimum was recorded in cultivar Australian Sweet (0.39%). Maximum TSS/acid ratio (83.85) was recorded in cultivar Charmagz. Maximum ascorbic acid content was recorded in cultivar Australian Sweet (17.00mg/100g). Maximum content of reducing, nonproducing and total sugars’ was recorded in cultivar Quetta (2.96%), Australian Sweet (9.95%) and  Charmagz (15.20%) respectively.

Key words: Evaluation, apricot, cultivar, physico-chemical-characteristics, variation, maturity.