Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part D (2025)

An experiment entitled “Evaluation of biochemical attributes of seedling bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.) genotypes under Bastar Plateau conditions of Chhattisgarh” was conducted during the year 2024-25 at Krantikari Debridhur College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, MGUVV, Durg, Chhattisgarh, to assess the biochemical attributes of 50 seedling bael genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications for each genotype. The present investigation revealed significant variability among the bael genotypes for biochemical parameters. Genotype T₁₈ recorded the highest TSS (44.30 °Brix) followed by T₂₈ (43.61 °Brix). The maximum acidity was observed in T₂₇ (0.323%) and was closely followed by T₄₃ (0.319%). The highest TSS/Acid ratio was exhibited by T₂₈ (274.29) and T₁₈ (273.09). With respect to sugar fractions, T₁₈ recorded the highest total sugars (16.05%), which was very close to T₂₈ (16.04%). Genotype T₅₀ (9.18%) showed superiority in reducing sugars followed by T₁₆ (8.83%). For non-reducing sugars, T₁₈ (9.53%) was found superior, while T₂₈ (9.44%) also exhibited higher values. The highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in T₄₃ (16.98 mg/100 g) followed by T₂₁ (16.35 mg/100 g). These promising genotypes (T₁₈, T₂₈, T₂₇, T₁₆, T₂₃, T₅₀, and T₄₃) exhibited superior biochemical attributes, making them valuable for varietal improvement in bael. Their distinctive combination of high TSS, sugars, balanced acidity, and enriched ascorbic acid content highlights their potential for future breeding programmes, commercial cultivation, and development of value-added products.