Characterization of genetic variability in karonda germplasm

The Karonda, (Carissa carandas), belongs to family Apocynaceae. It is a sprawling semi-vine shrub native to India. Being thorny, it is used as live fencing around the fields besides providing tasty fruits. Karonda fruit is used in various preparations and these are increase possibilities for processing. It has remained largely unexploited, Therefore, a study was conducted at Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow. Thirty elite genotypes were identified from Mirzapur, Varansi, Faizabad and Lucknow districts of U.P Vengurla, Belgaun and Gokak area of Karnataka, Ajmer, Chittorgarh and Siroli area of Rajasthan and Neemach (M.P). Floral characterization revealed flowering period was from March to April with full bloom in April first Week under Lucknow conditions. Anthesis was recorded after 1.00 pm, followed with anther dehiscence after few hours. Poor pollen fertility and germinability suggests scope of improvement in the crop yield.The mature fruits analyzed for fruit weight, length, diameter, pulp and seed content, TSS (ºBrix) acidity and ascorbic acid content revealed that there was wide variation among the accessions. The fruit colour was purple and red-white; fruit weight ranged from 1.85 to 6.0 g; fruit length from 0.90 to 2.40 cm; diameter from 0.32 to 2.15 cm; seed weight from 0.26 to 1.40 g and pulp content from 1.35 to 4.67 g; Total Soluble solids (ºBrix) in different accessions varied from 5.20 to 9.50, Titrable acidity varied from 0.45 to 2.91% whereas Ascorbic acid content varied from 23.20 to 31.46 mg/100g. On the basis of physico-chemical characters of fruits, 3 accessions viz. CISH Kr-10, CISH Kr-11 and CISH Kr-12 have been identified for multiplication and further evaluation.