Fruit evaluation studies in sapota (Achras zapota L.).

Abstract: An attempt was made to evaluate sapota (Achras zapota [Manilkara zapota]) cultivars based on their fruit characteristics. Twenty-two cultivars, viz. Badam, Badami, Bombay, Calcutta Round, CO1, CO2, Cricket Ball, Dwarapudi, Guruvayya, Gavaraiah, Pilipatti, Gutti, Hybrid, Jhumakiya, Kirtibarti (big), Kirtibarti (long), Krishna Rao, Mohangooti, Oval, Pakala Oval, Seedless and Vavilvalasa, were studied under Bangalore (Karnataka, India) conditions. Fruit weight was maximum in Krishna Rao and least in Pilipatti. The length of the fruit was maximum in CO1. Fruit breadth was maximum in Cricket Ball. Total soluble solid was highest in Kirtibarti (big) and Pakala Oval. The average number of seeds per fruit was least in Guruvayya, Gavaraiah and Pakala Oval. The study indicates that considerable variability exists in the cultivars and there is good scope for breeding varieties for dwarfness or reduced vigour.