Physico-chemical Changes in Assam Lemon (Citrus Limon Burm.) during Fruit Development and Maturation

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the physico-chemical changes associated with fruit development in Assam lemon. Fruit growth was slow initially upto 95 days after fruit set (DAFS) and it increased rapidly in terms of fruit weight and size of the fruit, from 45.54g & 75.75 cm2 until maturity. The trend in specific gravity of the fruits increased with fruit development and reached the value to 2.7 at harvest maturity. Therefore specific gravity of the fruit could be considered as a reliable physical index for harvest maturity. During early stage of fruit growth the juice content percentage was found low which increased as fruit growth advanced towards maturity. Total soluble solids (TSS) to acidity ratio showed an increased trend during fruit development in Assam lemon. At maturity TSS to acidity ratio reached values between 1.99 to 2.810Brix. TSS to acidity ratio could also be considered as the reliable chemical index for harvest maturity. Bio chemical characteristics such as Ascorbic acid and Pectin content also showed an increasing trend with fruit development and maturity. However the chlorophyll content showed a down ward trend and at harvest maturity it recorded 0.185mg/g. Results indicated that Assam lemon attained full maturity at 135-140 days and harvest maturity in 130 days after fruit set.