Assessment on performance and variability in different sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars under Punjab conditions

Abstract

Based on morphological characterization, the performance of eighteen sweet orange, (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars were evaluated. On the basis of two year data, the maximum mean fruit weight (316.25 gm) was recorded in Moro, while the maximum mean fruit diameter and mean fruit length was recorded in Mosambi and Olinda Valencia (87.32 mm and 81.33 mm, respectively). Albedo thickness was recorded maximum in Ruby Nucellar (3.42 mm). Highest total soluble solids was recorded in cultivar Moro (11.450 brix), while the titratable acidity was recorded maximum in Valencia Calizonida (1.21 %). Fruit axis diameter and Fruit rind thickness were recorded maximum in Rhode Red Valencia and Vernia (15.12 mm and 8.11 mm, respectively). In the variability studies, the maximum genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was recorded maximum for titratable acidity (27.88 and 27.94, respectively) followed by albedo thickness (23.77 and 23.78, respectively) and fruit weight (21.52 and 21.67, respectively). Genetic advance per cent of mean was recorded for titratable acidity (57.31%) followed by albedo thickness (48.96 %) and fruit weight (44.03 %) suggesting that further selection will be effective for improvement in these traits.