Comprehensive assessment of biochemical traits in seedling jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) under Bastar Plateau conditions of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

An experiment entitled “Comprehensive assessment of biochemical traits in seedling jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) under Bastar Plateau conditions of Chhattisgarh was performed during the session 2024-25 at Krantikari Debridhur College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, MGUVV, Durg, Chhattisgarh, to characterize the biochemical traits of 50 seedling jackfruit genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications for each genotype. The present investigation revealed significant variability among the jackfruit genotypes for biochemical traits. Genotype T27 recorded the highest TSS (27.93°Brix) followed by T21 (27.86 °Brix). The maximum acidity was observed in T10 (0.270%) and was closely followed by T420 (0.3262%). The highest TSS/Acid ratio was exhibited by T21 (143.56) and T27 (143.32). With respect to sugar fractions, T27 recorded the highest total sugars (17.91), which was very close to T21 (17.87). Genotype T45 (7.99%) showed superiority in reducing sugars followed by T36 (7.95%). For non-reducing sugars, T27 (11.21%) was found superior, while T39 (11.13%) also exhibited higher values. The highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in T20 (8.94 mg/100 g) followed by T44 (8.82 mg/100 g). These promising genotypes (T27, T21, T10, T45, and T20,) exhibited superior biochemical attributes, making them valuable for varietal improvement in jackfruit. Their distinctive combination of high TSS, sugars, balanced acidity, and enriched ascorbic acid content highlights their potential for future breeding programmes, commercial cultivation, and development of value-added products.