Performance of Different Apple (Malus × Domestica Borkh) Cultivars for Fruit Quality and Its Attributing Traits in Mid Hill Conditions of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is a major temperate fruit crop of the north-western Himalayan region and holds significant importance for both fresh consumption and processing industries. However, the predominance of traditional cultivars and changing climatic conditions have necessitated the evaluation of improved cultivars with better fruit quality and productivity under specific agro-climatic conditions. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical parameter of thirty apple cultivars belonging to delicious group, spur type and colour strains at ICAR- Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Regional Station, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Uttarakhand from 2023-25. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Result showed that among all cultivars, the highest fruit weight (209.35 g), fruit volume (226.67 cc), fruit length (7.27 cm) and fruit diameter (8.37 cm) was recorded in cultivar Mollies Delicious while the lowest fruit weight (54.46 g), fruit volume (53.33 cc), fruit length (4.46 cm) and fruit diameter (5.48 cm) was recorded in Early Shanburry cultivar. The highest T.S.S. was recorded in Stark Spur (13.60 °B) while lowest in Vermont Spur (8.20 °B), whereas highest acidity was recorded in Lord Lambourne (1.07%) and lowest in Chaubattia Anupam (0.10%). The highest values for ascorbic acid (17.49 mg/100 g) were recorded in Red Chief, Rich-A-Red and Bright-N-Early while lowest in Red Spur (3.28 mg/100 g). The highest reducing sugar (7.58%) and total sugars (8.75%) was recorded in Tydeman Early Worcester. The highest carotene content (242.73 µg/100 g) was recorded in Lord Lambourne. The highest total anti-oxidant activity (45.11 mMTE/L) was recorded in Royal Delicious while lowest in Golden Delicious (34.44 mM TE/L). From the investigation it can be inferred that the cultivar Mollies Delicious, Chaubattia Princess, Oregon Spur, Golden Delicious performed better in the region under prevailing climatic conditions. From the investigation, it can be inferred that the cultivars Mollies Delicious, Chaubattia Princess, Oregon Spur, and Golden Delicious performed better under the prevailing climatic conditions of the region. These findings can be effectively utilized by farmers, horticulturists, and extension agencies for selection of suitable cultivars to enhance productivity and fruit quality. Therefore, these cultivars are recommended for commercial cultivation in similar agro-climatic conditions.