Morpho-biochemical changes during the ripening of the fruits of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Abstract

The present studies were carried out on the morphological (fruit size, diameter, colour and breakage) and biochemical (total soluble solids) changes during the 2 months of ripening of fruits of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) growing at an altitude of 2650 m asl in Lahaul Valley, a cold desert area of Himachal Pradesh. The region is characterized by extreme climatic conditions, poor rainfall (about 500 mm per year) and heavy snowfall (100-400 cm per year). Data collected weekly for two months from 18th August, 1995 onwards, revealed that fruit weight varied from 8.2-16.0 g/100 fruits, with a maximum of 17.7 g during the 4th collection on 8th September. Vertical diameter varied from 5.4 to 7.8 mm with a maximum value of 8.0 mm. Cross diameter varied from 5.5 mm to 6.2 mm with a maximum value of 6.9 mm. The length of fruit stalk varied from 2.9 mm to 3.2 mm. Colour of the fruits was initially light yellowish green, both ends being light red. After 1 month, fruits were yellow with both ends red. After 2 months, fruits were reddish yellow. Sun facing side of the fruits was whitish yellow. Initially, skin of the fruit did not break during collection of the fruits. After one month, fruit skin got damaged if not collected with care. After 2 months of collection, fruits released the paste like material. Total soluble solid varied from 8.7 to 13.8% with a maximum value of 14.1% on 8th September 1995.