A study on Aegle marmelos characteristics in the lateritic zone of Birbhum region

Abstract

An assessment of local Aegle marmelos genotypes in various parts of Birbhum district has unveiled significant variations in their vegetative, yield, and physico-chemical characteristics. Key vegetative parameters, such as tree height, tree spread, and trunk girth, displayed ranges of 9.43-15.83 m, 4.12-6.61 m, and 72.33-90.93 cm, respectively. Furthermore, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and yield showed wide variations of 68.03-155.90 cm2, 1.96-3.06 mg 100-1g, and 61.34-211.12 kg tree-1, respectively. In terms of fruit characteristics, there were notable differences in fruit weight (281.50-998.06 g), seed weight per fruit (3.36-18.53 g), total soluble solids (TSS) content (28.00-42.53oBrix), reducing sugar (1.03-3.58%), total sugar (7.21-11.59%), acidity (0.50-1.05%), TSS/acid ratio (32.68-80.00), ascorbic acid content (13.33-36.53 mg 100-1g), total carotenoids (0.98 to 2.36 mg 100-1g), and tannin content (2.16-3.76%). These variations provide valuable insights into the adaptability of Aegle marmelos to environmental factors. Notably, genotypes SB4, SB6, SB9, SB11, and SB13 exhibit particular promise for improving the livelihoods of small family farming in the region.