Variability in morpho-physiological traits and antioxidant potential of Rubus species in Central Himalayan Region

Exploration expeditions have been conducted to collect the untapped genetic diversity of Raspberries (Rubus spp.). available in Central Himalayan Region (CHR). Nine species of genus Rubus growing in CHR have been collected from altitudinal range of 1200-2070 m asl. Collected germplasm has been characterized and conserved in the field gene bank at an altitude of 1480 m asl. Considerable variability has been found in growth parameters, flowering, fruiting traits and antioxidant potential. Number of branches plant(-1) varied from 5.8-10.2, terminal leaf length 5.69-8.90 cm, terminal leaf width 2.23-9.81 cm, terminal leaf petiole length 1.02-4.98 cm, petal length 0.43-1.44 cm, petal width 032-0.97 cm, canopy per plant 12320.2-73317.3 cm(2), flower diameter 0.53-3.26 cm, number of trusses plant-1 38-115, number of flowers truss(-1) 10.4-15.2, number of vesicles per fruit 23-82, fruit length 0.46-1.55 cm, fruit width 0.46-1.11 cm, fruit weight 0.422-2.212 g, fruit volume 1.132-2.471 cc and TSS of ready to eat fruits varied 8.33-12.20 degrees Brix. Collected germplasm has been evaluated for variability in antioxidant potential to find out antioxidant rich genotypes for commercialization. Total anthocyanin content in different species ranged from 0.36-0.86 g kg(-1) fresh weight (FW), total phenols were found to vary 0.818-1.32 g kg(-1) FW. Similarly, ascorbic acid content ranged 0.092-0.166 g kg(-1) FW, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of ready to eat fruits was found to vary 2.23-4.21 TE g(-1) FW, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) varied 14.563-35.965 mu M FRAP, ascorbic acid-phenol ratio of different Rubus species was found to vary 0.4237-0.7980. Indigenous technical knowledge associated with utilization of Rubus spp. in CHR was also gathered which may be utilized for research, for application in medicine and therapeutics. Available untapped genetic diversity may be utilized in breeding programmes as well as for cultivation as rich source of antioxidants. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.