Genotypic diversity and nutritional profiling of Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes in India

Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] is widely consumed for its therapeutic benefits having significant medicinal and nutritional properties. However, limited data exists regarding the compositional diversity among bael genotypes in the ranges of North Western Himalayan regions. This research focused on characterizing the quality attributes and sensory landscapes of selected bael genotypes. This study evaluates the physicochemical traits of eighty wild bael genotypes to identify promising candidature for selective breeding when compared with commercial cultivars (NB-5, NB-9). The wild genotype JMU-Bael (Sel-27) exhibited the highest TSS of mucilage (49.60 ⁰brix), TSS of pulp (36.77 ⁰brix), total sugars (21.17%), reducing sugars (9.58%), non-reducing sugars (11.59%) and ascorbic acid (25.45 mg/100 g). Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted significant genetic diversity, with the first component accounting for 81.17% of the total variation. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two main clusters, offering insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing bael fruit quality.