Evaluation of Biochemical Attributes of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Genotypes in Mohla Manpur Ambagarh Chowki District, Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) exhibits variation in fruit biochemical characteristics that may be relevant to the selection of local genetic material. Aims: To evaluate the biochemical characteristics and fruit quality of custard apple genotypes in Mohla Manpur Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh and identify superior genotypes with desirable biochemical attributes and nutritional quality. Objectives of the Study: 1. To characterise indigenous custard apple genotypes based on their biochemical composition. 2. To evaluate and compare the biochemical quality of custard apple genotypes collected from Mohla Manpur Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh. 3. To identify superior genotypes with desirable biochemical characteristics for future selection and improvement programmes. Study Design: The study was conducted using 31 custard apple genotypes, comprising 30 indigenous seedling genotypes and one check variety (Balanagar), with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in Mohla Manpur Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh over two consecutive years, 2024–25 and 2025–26. Methodology: Biochemical characterisation was carried out by evaluating quality parameters, including Total Soluble Solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, TSS: acid ratio, sugar:acid ratio and pH. The analysis of fruit samples was conducted in the Horticulture Processing Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Three blocks were selected, with five villages from each block. Results: The pooled analysis revealed considerable variation in biochemical traits among custard apple genotypes. Balanagar recorded the highest TSS (23.83 °Brix), total sugars (23.12%), TSS:acid ratio (116.28), sugar:acid ratio (112.84) and pH (5.13), whereas ACA-10 exhibited the highest titratable acidity (0.33%). ACA-7, ACA-6 and ACA-15 recorded the highest ascorbic acid (15.23 mg/100 g), reducing sugar (15.24%) and non-reducing sugar (11.15%), respectively. The minimum TSS and total sugars were observed in ACA-10, while ACA-22 recorded the minimum ascorbic acid and reducing sugar. ACA-6 exhibited the minimum non-reducing sugar (3.94%), ACA-25 had the minimum pH (4.01), and ACA-10 recorded the minimum TSS:acid ratio (54.49) and sugar:acid ratio (53.26). Conclusion: The study identified promising custard apple genotypes with superior biochemical composition and fruit quality, providing valuable information for selection and crop improvement programmes.