Physiochemical characterisation of some local and elite date palm (phoenix dactylifera l.) cultivars in gujarat

Author: 
Minal D Bambhaniya and Susy Albert

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) a dioecious species is well-known high energy value crop with a very good nutritional value compared to the tropical and sub-tropical fruits. India where they are widely cultivated in districts like Kutch in Gujarat. Many cultivars are grown in Kutch; because each date is differed medicinally also date palm fruits are of great importance because they are rich in many active constituents. In the present study physiochemical variations in different cultivars (5 local and 4 elite varieties from Kutch) have been assessed to evaluate the possible differences among the tested cultivars. Characteristic features like titratable acidity, moisture content, total soluble solids, juice content etc. have been evaluated and compared. Significant variations have been observed in the different cultivars which add precise evidence to taxonomic identity of the studied 9 cultivars of date palm fruits. Fruit quality was determined and compared using different physiochemical properties (Juice content, Moisture content, Acidity, TSS, TSS and acidity ratio) of the fruits. The TSS/ acid ratio is a key characteristic determining the taste, texture and feel of fruit segments. TSS is highest in KCL09.1 and high no of TSS is responsible to produce less acidic and sweet fruit. Acidity is also lowest in KCL09.1 which provides less sour taste to fruit. On the basis of the different parameters studied KCL09.1 cultivar was observed to be the best cultivar in terms of quality.

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DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2018.16496.3051
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