A comparative analysis of compositional and phytochemical attributes in fruits of low chilling apple varieties cultivated in the eastern and western Himalaya

Low chilling varieties of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) introduced in lower altitude regions of Indian eastern, and western Himalaya were studied for their compositional and phytochemical attributes for the first time. Variety Fuji cultivated in the eastern Himalaya recorded the highest number of fruits plant 1 (234), followed by Dorsett Golden (180) from the western Himalaya, whilst the minimum number of fruits plant 1 (33) was reported by Fuji cultivated in the western Himalaya. The Fuji (168.03 g) recorded significantly higher fruit weight under eastern Himalaya, followed by Anna (154.22 g) from the western Himalaya. In terms of sugars, the maximum fructose (530.49 mg g(-1)), as well as glucose (117.41 mg g(-1)), were registered with Fuji cultivated in the eastern Himalaya. In comparison, the minimum fructose (355.50 mg g(-1)) along with glucose (76.85 mg g(-1)) was reported from Dorsett Golden cultivated in the western Himalaya. Besides glucose and fructose, the maximum sucrose content was reported in Anna (309.58 mg g(-1)) cultivated in the eastern Himalaya, while the minimum (187.72 mg g(-1)) was registered by Fuji cultivated in the western Himalaya. However, all analyzed attributes were comparable and even better than the commercial apple fruits whose maturity period coincide with these low chilling apple fruits and thus suggested that these varieties might be the promising for warm, and lower altitude regions of Indian eastern, and western Himalaya, where traditional varieties fail to produce a regular annual yield. Furthermore, farmers and rural communities of lower altitude regions can strengthen their livelihood and boost their economy by adopting cultivation practices of these low chilling apple varieties, and ultimately contribute in satisfying growing demand of this particular fruit through expansion of apple production into warmer areas.

Automated summary

The study investigated the compositional and phytochemical attributes of low chilling apple varieties introduced in lower altitude regions of the Indian eastern and western Himalaya for the first time. Results showed that these varieties exhibited good fruit quality and sugar content, potentially outperforming commercial apple varieties under specific conditions.