Phule Purandar (JWC-1): A new custard apple cultivar for Maharashtra

Survey was undetaken during 2010-2013 by All India Cordinated Project on Arid Zone Fruits (Fig and Custard apple), Jadhavwadi, Pune in various custard apple growing area of Purander Tashil of Pune district with object to explore the crop biodiversity. Ten elite selections were made, which were evaluated with check cultivar Balanagar. These selections were analyzed consistently for three years for yield and yield contributing characters along with various physico-chemical attributes. It was observed that Cv. Phule Purandar (JWC 1) recorded maximum average fruit weight (366.17 g) and yield plant-1 (50.90 kg). Quality attributes viz. TSS (23.56 0B), TSS: Acid ratio (71.40) and pulp (47.82 %) were found at its maximum in Cv. Phule Purandar (JWC-1). Treatment differences for fruits-1 plant were non significant. The check Cv. Balanagar recorded comparatively less fruit weight (267.67 g), fruit yield plant-1 (35.60 kg), pulp (43.93%), TSS (23.56 0B) and TSS: Acid ratio (71.40). The fruit qualities viz. fruit colour, flavour and taste were comparatively more acceptable in Cv. Phule Purandar (JWC-1) than those in Cv. Balanagar. The Cv. Phule Purandar (JWC-1) recorded better Shelf life (6 days) than that of Cv. Balanagar (4 days).