Physico-chemical characteristics of some ber varieties in relation to fruit fly incidence.

Abstract: Physicochemical characteristics of fruits of eight ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) varieties, Chhuhara, Gola, Elaichi, Kaithli, Nazuk, Sanaur 2, Umran and ZG-2 in relation to fruit fly infestation were studied at Abohar. Fruit fly (Carpomya vesuviana) infestation was positively correlated with fruit weight, pulp-stone ratio, total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars, whereas, it was negatively correlated to acidity, vitamin C [ascorbic acid] and total phenols. The varieties high in pulp content, TSS, total sugars, low acidity, vitamin C and total phenols were highly susceptible to fruit fly attack. The most resistance varieties were Umran (49% incidence), Gola (40%) and ZG-2 (33%).