Genetic variability in acid lime accessions from central Gujarat

Abstract

Study of genetic variability in available germplasm is essential for the development of improved cultivars through planned breeding programmes. In view of this, 27 acid lime accessions collected from different locations of central Gujarat were evaluated for various leaf morphological and fruit physico-chemical characters. Results of study reveal that the acid lime accessions varied widely for their leaf blade length, width, shape, margin, petiole wing width and shape. Individual fruit weight ranged between 25.99-65.66 g; fruit length 3.30-5.73 cm; fruit width 3.13-5.17 cm; fruit length:width ratio 0.96-1.17; juice content 44.05-55.37 %; peel thickness 1.03-2.23 mm; peel percentage 13.57-26.36 %; number of seeds 5.33-12.33; seed weight fruit-10.34-1.21 g; seed length 6.07-9.61 mm and width 2.98-5.60 mm. Similarly, the chemical quality attributes also varied significantly among different accessions. The total soluble solids content varied between 7.73-10.59 °B; acidity 5.63-10.36 %; juice pH 1.22- 2.13; reducing sugars 0.79-3.67 %; non-reducing sugar 0.14-2.30 %; total sugars 1.20-5.69 %; total phenolic content in fruit juice 0.21-0.55 mg GAE ml-1; antioxidant activity 22.46-64.91 % and ascorbic acid 34.30- 124.03 mg 100 ml-1 juice. Wide range of variation in physico-chemical characters of acid lime accessions can be used for individual plant selection and future genetic improvement programme based on these parameters.