Morpho-biochemical traits and genetic divergence in tamarind accessions from the Bastar Plateau region of India

Abstract

This study characterized the genetic diversity of 43 tamarind accessions based on morphological and biochemical traits. The physical characteristics and biochemical properties of the fruit showed significant variation among accessions, which made it possible to identify superior individuals for important traits. The highest pulp content (14.65 g) was obtained from T-B-M-3 while the longest (17.73 cm) and heaviest fruits (29.55 g) were produced in T-B-N-7. The highest seed-to-pulp ratio was recorded in T-B-JH-2 (0.36) and TSS in T-B-JH-4 and T-B-G-2 (77.15°Brix). Accession T-B-JH-10 showed high TSS to acid ratio (16.42) and reducing sugar content (45.70%). Highest total sugar (47.58%) and ascorbic acid (10.25 mg/100 g) contents was found in T-B-M-11 and T-B-M-13, respectively. The accessions were grouped into four clusters by the cluster analysis. Cluster II showed good size and pulp yield whereas Cluster I had the highest sugar and vitamin C contents. Biochemical traits contributed most to genetic divergence with TSS (26.6%) followed by acidity (11.4%) and fruit weight (10.0%). PCA identified two major factors, PC1 described yield with T-B-M-3 and T-B-N-7 having better fruit size and pulp weight, while PC2 was related to quality with T-B-G-4 and T-B-M-13 showing higher sweetness and ascorbic acid content, making them promising accessions for food and industrial use.