Studies on variability in physico-chemical characters of different jamun (Syzygium cumini) accessions from Goa

Jamun is found scattered throughout Goa. A survey was carried out in the North Goa district of the state to identify the elite genotypes among its population. The ripe fruits from 18 selected trees were analyzed for physico-chemical traits like fruit weight, length, width, pulp and seed content, pulp: seed ratio, TSS (°Brix), titrable acidity and carbohydrates in terms of total sugars and reducing sugars. The study revealed that there was a wide variation among its accessiocs. Individual fruit weight ranged from 3.42 to 13.67 g; length 3.31 to 5.26 cm; girth 5.21 to 9.82 cm; length: width ratio 1.44 to 2.3 and pulp percentage 58.57 to 84.55. There was a wide variation in chemical characters also. Total soluble solids (°Brix) varied from 12.0 to 26.8; titrable acidity 0.59 to 1.63%; total sugars 6.87 to 25.31% and sugar: acid ratio from 15.39 to 27.92. In general, OGI was found to be promising among all accessions studied, based on its desirable physico-chemical characters.