Morphology and pomological characterization of bael [<i>Aegle marmelos</i> (L.) Correa] genotypes for climate change mitigation under north-western Himalayas.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the genetic diversity of 80 wild bael genotypes (Aegle marmelos) compared to commercial cultivars NB-5 and NB-9, focusing on 16 pomological traits. With the rising temperature impacting perennial fruit crop production and the urgent need for heat- and drought-resistant varieties, bael emerges as a viable option for rainfed areas due to its xerophytic characteristics and ability to withstand high temperatures. Among the collected, wild bael genotype germplasm, JMU-Bael (Sel-27) demonstrated superior traits, including maximum fruit length (12.05 cm), width (11.72 cm), weight (917.65 g), pulp weight (746.81 g), and pulp percentage (81.38%). Correlation matrices revealed significant associations among pomological traits, particularly positive correlations with fr

SUBMITTER: Singh P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11962431 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature