Evaluation of floral biology, physicochemical characteristics, and shelf life of four selected Ber cultivars grown in Bangladesh
نویسندگان
1 Department of Post Harvest Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
2 Pomology Division, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh
3 Department of Food Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
4 Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602, Bangladesh
6 Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Ho Technical University, Volta Region, Ho, Ghana
7 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602, Bangladesh
doi
10.22077/jhpr.2025.7660.1454چکیده
Purpose: Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) is a highly nutritious fruit widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its rich nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite its economic importance, limited research exists on the comparative floral biology, physicochemical characteristics, and post-harvest shelf life of different ber cultivars Bangladesh. Research Method: Four ber cultivars (Apple Kul, Khurma Kul, BARI Kul 5, and Gutti Kul 2) were assessed for their floral biology, physicochemical characteristics, and shelf life in 2023. Floral data, including flowering duration, male-to-female flower ratio, and fruit set per axil, were collected using randomized full block design with three replications. Physicochemical properties were measured using standardized laboratory methods such as ash, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Findings: First flowering was recorded on September in Khurma Kul and Gutti Kul, with flowering durations ranging from 51 to 60 days. The male-to-female ratio was highest in Apple Kul (10.67), while BARI Kul 5 had more fruit sets per axil. Apple Kul and BARI Kul 5 exhibited the highest levels of ash (0.5-0.65%), carbohydrates (9.39-14.34%), total soluble solids (12.76-17.51 °Brix), and total sugars. Gutti Kul 2 had the highest vitamin C content (75.65 mg/100 g). The shelf-life evaluation revealed that Khurma Kul and Gutti Kul 2 retained their marketability the longest, while Apple Kul and BARI Kul 5 showed reduced longevity despite their superior nutrient profiles. Research Limitations: This study analyzed only four cultivars. Originality/Value: The study highlights that Apple Kul and BARI Kul 5 are promising for nutrition, while Khurma Kul and Gutti Kul 2 excel in shelf life. These findings suggest cultivar-specific strategies for ber cultivation and commercialization.
