Variability in Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) Genotypes from Orissa

Survey was conducted in different part of Orissa to assess the existing natural diversity in bael seedling trees and to identify the superior genotype with desirable horticultural traits. Observations on morphological and physicochemical parameters of fruit were recorded in 21 promising genotypes. All the genotypes showed considerable variations with respect to physico-chemical characters assessed. The genotypes CHBl-13 and CHBl-14 were found promising with respect to pulp weight (86.04 and 86.92%) and skull thickness (2.32 and 2.22 mm). The CHBl13 also had higher fruit weight (2.915 kg) and found superior over other genotypes. The minimum seed number was counted in CHBl-15. The maximum Total Soluble Solids (40.43° Brix) of fruit was recorded in CHBl-20 whereas the TSS/acid ratio was maximum (107.08) in CHBl-7.