Pod Fractionation and Seed Characterisation in Tamarind Under Different Agro-Climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu, India

An experiment was conducted to study the Tamarind pod fractionation and seed characterization in 5 agro-climatic zones (Southern zone, Western zone, Cauvery delta zone, North-east zone and North-west zone) to identify the best seed source for the production of Tamarind kernel powder and Tamarind seed gum. Among the five agro-climatic zones studied for pod fractionation, Cauvery delta zone obtained maximum in pod shell (34.96%), North-Eastern zone in pulp (40.92%) and North-Western zone in both the fibre (5.51%) and seed (29.41%). Similarly in seed characterization, 100 seed weight was maximum in North-Western zone (101.96 grams). In three different grading size of Tamarind seeds, Cauvery delta zone recorded maximum in small seeds (319.91 grams/Kg) and large seeds (377.17 grams/Kg.), Southern zone in medium seeds (403.19 grams/Kg). On concluding the study, North-Western zone contributed maximum in seed per cent and 100 seed weight, Cauvery delta zone recorded highest in large and small seeds. So the North-Western zone bestow maximum to TSG production and its rheological properties.