Evaluation of Sapota genotypes for growth, yield and quality attributes

A study on evaluation of sapota genotypes collected from different parts of India was carried out at the Department of Fruit Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam during the year 2008-2009. Observation on quantitative traits viz., tree height (m), canopy spread (m2), number of fruits/tree, mean fruit weight (g) and yield of fruits/tree (kg) were recorded. In addition, data on the qualitative traits viz., total soluble solids (◦Brix), total sugars (%) and ascorbic acid content (mg/100g) were recorded. The highest tree height (11.2 m) and canopy spread (116.8 m2) was recorded by the hybrid CO1 followed by the variety Cricket Ball. PKM1 had more number of fruits/tree (1690); Cricket Ball registered the highest mean fruit weight of 135 g. The highest yield of 139 kg/tree was recorded by PKM4 followed by Virudhunagar local which recorded an yield of 135.75 kg/tree. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between tree height and canopy spread. The attributes like number of fruits per tree and canopy spread had positive correlation with fruit yield per tree. The quality traits, viz., total sugars and ascorbic acid content had negative correlation with fruit yield indicating that simultaneous improvement of yield and quality was not possible.