Physico-chemical evaluation of banana genotypes

Abstract

In banana, post-harvest compositional changes following are important since banana is a climacteric fruit. It is highly nutritive and every part of the plant is useful. For these reasons it is often referred as „ Apple of Paradise‟ and „Tree of paradise‟. It is a good source of vitamin A, C and B2. Fruits are rich source of minerals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium and iron. Present study was undertaken in fruit science laboratory, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka during 2013-2014. Twenty three different genotypes of desert and cooking banana were evaluated for Physico-chemical parameters. The maximum total soluble solids (23.80obrix) and reducing sugar content (13.25%) were found in the genotype Lalchakrakeli. The lowest acidity was noticed in Rajapuri (0.13 %). Robusta recorded the maximum (178.33g) pulp weight among all other genotypes investigated and also the maximum (62.67g) peel weight whereas, Elakkibale recorded the highest (5.80%) pulp to peel ratio. The lowest reducing sugar (5.75 %) and total soluble solid (7.100brix), highest acidity (0.58 %) and maximum firmness (56.40 N) was noticed in the genotype Balbisiana whereas, the minimum firmness was noticed in Mitli (8.86 N).