Genetic variability in physico-chemical characteristics of some pummelo collections from Mizoram

A study was carried out to during 2009–2010 to identify the elite pummelo genotypes among its natural population in different districts of Mizoram. During fruiting season, ripe fruits of 12 selected collections were analyzed for different physico-chemical traits, viz., Significant variation was observed for physical parameters, viz., individual fruit weight ranged from 393.89–903.48 g; fruit diameter 8.16–14.01cm; fruit volume 449.47–998.03 cc; pulp: peel ratio 0.56–1.72 and seed number 12.67–37.50. Similarly, among the chemical parameters, juice content varied from 18.83–41.93%; ascorbic acid 17.40–52.70 mg/100 g; acidity 0.81–1.80%, total sugars 6.098.65% and sugar: acid ratio from 3.60–10.30. Wide range of variation in physico-chemical parameters of pummelo collections indicated the great scope of individual plant selection based on these characters for future genetic improvement programme.