U.K.Acharya & R.Pakka
DOI
ABSTRACT
Mandarin is a favored fruit of Nepal and mostly grown in hilly terrain. There is good amount of genetic diversity within the country for this crop; however, it has short harvest period. Therefore, an attempt has been made to identify cultivars suitable for extending harvesting period by exploiting 18 accessions collected within countries and introduced from abroad. Two years old trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliate) grafted plants were transplanted at 3m x 3m spacing in hilly terrace with five replications. The two years data (13th and 14th years after planting) on fruit physical and quality parameters along with yield were considered for the study. Unshiu and Satsuma mandarins (Okitsuwase and, Miyagawawase) have performed well as early season (September) with bigger sized fruit (7-11%) as compared with landraces in NCRP farm at an altitude of 1200m after 14 years of planting. Similarly, some hybrid accessions (Commune and Nules) and landraces (Banskhark and Khoku Local) have shown potential for mid-season production. Therefore, research system needs to search for some exotic materials to be promoted for late season production. Murcott and Nagpuri mandarin could be few options for late season production and need to be explored in future. Further, a hybrid cultivar development system including landraces and exotic materials could be another avenue for exploration in the future.
Keywords: Brim. A, dendrogram, harvesting period, maturity, principal component analysis