Evaluation of Cape Gooseberry Varieties for Growth and Bioactive Compounds Under Subtropical Conditions of Northwestern India

The aim of this study was 'to examine the physico-chemical properties and bioactive compounds of different cape gooseberry varieties under subtropical conditions'. Five varieties of cape gooseberry, including 'Naandhar', 'Banglora', 'Jabalpur Oblong', 'Jabalpur Round', and 'Gaya' were assessed for their growth and biochemical characteristics. The findings showed that the highest plant spread in East–West (92.5 cm) and in North–South direction (86.7 cm), fruit weight (9.58 g), fruit yield (0.92 kg plant−1), total chlorophyll content (1.88 mg g−1 fresh weight, FW) and carbohydrate/nitrogen, (C/N) (4.73) were observed in variety 'Jabalpur Oblong', while the maximum plant height (114.5 cm) and fruit set (89.9%) were noted in variety 'Naandhar'. Among different cape gooseberry varieties, the biochemical characteristics ranged as follows: TSS (12.2–15.2 °Brix), ascorbic acid (359.7–499.8 mg kg−1 FW), antioxidant activity (69.7–76.4%), total phenols (66.4–83.8 mg kg−1 FW), total flavonoids (35.6–59.3 mg kg−1 FW), total carotenoids (12.2–24.3 mg kg−1 FW) and total sugars (5.76–8.55%). Overall, 'Jabalpur Oblong' was found to be the most promising variety in terms of plant growth characteristics; it exhibited superior bioactive components. 'Banglora' proved to be the next best variety in terms of fruit set, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit yield and other bioactive compounds.