Characterization of pummelo (Citrus grandis L.) hybrid population for economic traits

Abstract

Pummelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family and has thick rind, unique flavour and other biochemical characteristics depending on the genotypes. The consumer preference mostly tends towards fruits with thin rind for easy separation of segments coupled with negligible bitterness. The present study was carried out on two pummelo hybrid progenies planted during August 2016 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research(IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The morphological and biochemical characterization of 102 pummelo hybrids generated from two different cross combinations was conducted with special emphasis on economic traits (low in bitterness and thin rind). Among the progenies, two hybrid combinations, the fruit weight ranged from 0.72 to 2.62 kg in Acc.12 x Acc.19 with rind thickness ranging from 0.92 to 3.16 cm, while in Acc.3 x Acc.19, the fruit weight ranged from 0.61 to 2.41 kg with rind thickness ranging from 1.08 to 2.88 cm. The mean TSS was 8.80 and 9.02° B across two different cross combinations, respectively. The average titratable acidity ranged from 1.35 to 1.38 % and total flavonoid content of 13.71 and 11.44 mg catechin eqv.100 g^-1 in the two hybrid progenies. Based on biochemical traits and sensory evaluations, the elite progenies H17–3, H17–5 and H17–9 from the first cross (Acc.12 x Acc.19) as well as H23–4 and H23–11 from the second cross (Acc.3 x Acc.19), were selected for their low bitterness and high TSS. These selections show potential as valuable breeding stock or new hybrids for commercial cultivation.