Pummelo [Citrus grandis(L.) Osbeck] Diversity in India

Abstract

An extensive survey was conducted in parts of Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, North-East Region and Andamans during 2012–14 to know the existing variability of largest sized Citrus spp. fruit, pummelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck]. The aim was to select the best genotypes suitable for large scale plantation and domestic markets. Devenhalli pummelo from Karnataka got GI status, indicating its importance in the region as it has small size (525 g), low acidity and high TSS (>100B) with red pulp. Pummelo from Yarcaud, Tamil Nadu had highest juice content (22.60%) followed by fruits from Nagaland (21.65%) which are larger in size (1,232.30 g). In Bihar, pummelo is valued for Chhat Puja and farmers maintain at least one plant in their home gardens to get fruits during festival season without any maintenance cost, and fortunately many good quality pummelo are available in some home gardens of the state. Pummelo from Bihar as Clone No. 8, 28, 31, 35, and 39 had high TSS (>100B) confirmed its potential for better consumer acceptance than others. The fruits of Clone No. 33 were completely seedless, were easy to serve and Clone No. 26 was suited for better consumption as it had soft cell sacs. Clone No. 1 had maximum fruit size (2,420 g) and number of segments per fruit (22.00) may be suited for better yield. The fruits of Clone No. 25, 37 and 13 are easy to peel as it has very thin rind (0.80, 1.00, 1.01 cm). Port Blair pummelo has low acidity, but due to low TSS (6.90 0B), may not be liked by consumers. Devanhalli pummelo from Karnataka, Manipur pummelo, Clone No. 31 and seedless pummelo of Bihar may be suited for commercial plantation and large scale consumption. If all these germplasm are propagated through air-layering and distributed to the farmers, better quality pummelo may fetch better price in national and international markets. Livelihood security will thus improve for the grower and subsequently diversity will also be maintained.