A. Mayavel, J. Padmanaban, A. Nicodemus, B. Nagarajan, C. Bagathsingh, M. Akshayasri, G. Radha Krishnan and Amaravel, M.
Abstract
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a most important multipurpose tree species grown widely in tropical and subtropical region of the world for improving livelihood of rural population. The present study aimed to evaluate the variation in fruit morphometric and bio-chemical traits and select superior clones for establishing large scale tamarind plantation. The experiment was conducted in a 10-year-old clonal assemblage of Tamarind established in randomized complete block design. The results revealed significant variations in all the morphology and biochemical characters viz., fruit weight, pulp weight, seed weight, shell weight, vein weight, number of seeds per fruit, fruit length, fruit thickness, fruit width, annual yield/tree, total soluble solid, total acidity, total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar among the tamarind clones. Among the 60 Tamarind clones IFGTBTI-14 exhibited the highest values of fruit morphometric traits and annual yield, followed by IFGTBTI-15, IFGTBRT-5, and IFGTBTI-2. From biochemical characterization, Tamarind clones IFGTBST-16, IFGTBST-17, and IFGTBTI-15 exhibited maximum values. These identified Tamarind clones may be used as parent for Tamarind tree improvement programs.