Standardization of maturity indices in Indian gooseberry (Emblica afficitlalis) under semi-arid conditions of Gujarat

Abstract

An investigation was carried out during 2003 and 2004 to study the fruit developmental stages pertaining to quality characteristics for fixation of maturity standards in Indian gooseberry (Entblicn oflcinalis Gaertn.) at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Vejalpur. It was observed that the fruit growth was faster initially and slowed down between last week of September to first week of October and increased slightly thereafter and followed double sigmoid growth pattern in almost all the cultivars. The specific gravity showed increasing trend (1.00-1.08) in all the cultivars during development. Total soluble solids, total and reducing sugar contents increased as the fruits reached towards maturity. Titratable acidity increased during initial period of fruit development then declined. In all the cultivars, vitamin C increased during development and became constant till the fruits attained physiological maturity. Increment in specific gravity (>I), appearance of fiber on seed cover and change of seed colour from creamy-white to brown was the general phenomena in all the cultivars at maturity. TSS: acid ratio was 4.53, 4.54, 5.02, 4.41 and 4.64 in 'Anand l', 'Anand 2', 'Agra Bold', 'Francis' and 'Banarasi' respectively at maturity.