Biochemical characterization of Annona squamosa varieties and half sib progenies

Abstract

Annona squamosa Linn, commonly known as Sugar apple, belonging to the family Annonaceae, is said to show varied medicinal effects. The plant is traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy, dysentery, cardiac problems, worm infestation, constipation, hemorrhage, antibacterial infection, fever, ulcer and also has insecticidal properties. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to determine the chemical composition and also to determine the superior physico chemical properties of the selected Annona squamosa varieties and half sib progenies for selection and further breeding purposes at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru. The biochemical analysis of Annona squamosa varieties and half sib progenies pulp extract revealed the highest values with respect to TSS (31.440B), acidity of pulp (0.425%), total sugars (24.52g/100g) and reducing sugars (21.19g/100g) was recorded in hybrid Arka Sahan, TSS: Acidity ratio in accession 3/2 (211.31), ascorbic acid content (13.667% to 34.775%), non-reducing sugars content was recorded in the accession 8/3 (5.37g/100g). The total phenol content ranged between 57.7 and 81.76mg GAE/100g, total flavonoid between 9.94 and 20.44mg Catechin equivalent/100g and antioxidant capacity between 62.03 and 89.64 mg AEAC/100g, justifying the use of this plant to treat many ailments in folk and herbal medicine and also for the selection purpose.