Analysis and utilization of genetic diversity of ‘Ambri’ apple (Malus×domesticaBorkh.) in Jammu region

Abstract

Present investigation was conducted in erstwhile Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir state to study the genetic diversity among ‘Ambri’ apple variants and its exploitation to revive this indigenous variety in the state for commercial cultivation and to utilize in apple improvement programme. Among the 34 collected variants, a wide range of diversity was observed in respect of fruit weight (86.90–334.97 g), fruit length (59.13–84.00 mm), fruit width (68.21–94.31 mm), flesh firmness (3.65–9.65 N), seed number (5.00–7.00), TSS (10.90–20.00oBrix) and titratable acidity (0.31–1.78%). Highest coefficient of variation was recorded for titratable acidity (54.76%). Fruit weight showed significantly positive correlations with fruit length and stalk and number of seeds per fruit. First three factors having eigen value having >1 explained 70.04% of total variation observed in the collected population. Of the total collections, only seven variants attained the numerical rating, being accepted of consumer's acceptability. Variants BM2910 and BC3210 were identified as most acceptable variants for mass multiplication and to revive the ‘Ambri’ apple cultivation and their further use in breeding programmes.