Physio-Biochemical Characterization of Grape Germplasm from Leh Grown Under Tropical Condition of India

Thirteen grape germplasm collected from local region of Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir were evaluated for physicochemical and biochemical characters for its suitability under tropical climate of India which has functional and nutritional value. Data on various vegetative, fruit physical and fruit chemical characters were recorded in the present investigation. Significant variations were observed for all the characters studied. Among the different accessions, Leh12 showed maximum average bunch weight (504.37g) and number of berries/bunch (126.30) followed by Leh14 (398.50g and 85.70 respectively), while highest 50 berry weight (192.53g), berry diameter (17.63 mm) and total soluble solid (22.63°Brix) was recorded in Leh14. The accession Leh12 had maximum acidity (0.83%) while maximum juice pH was recorded in Leh8. Maximum total phenol (7.44 mg/g), tannin content (9.01mg/g) and antioxidant activity (127.37 %) were observed in Leh14 while protein content (3.94mg/g), reducing sugar (266.25 mg/g) and carbohydrate (94.75mg/g) were highest in Leh2. Cluster analysis performed on the basis of yield parameters and biochemical attributes divided into two main groups. Group 1 was consisted of seven germplasm while six genotypes in group 2. All phenological, physical and biochemical studies showed useful attributes for future grapes improvement programs.