Performance of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. skeels) Cultivars in the Satpura Hills and Kymore Plateau Agro-ecological Zone of Central India

Abstract

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) is a nutritionally rich and climate-resilient fruit crop with considerable potential for commercial cultivation in semi-tropical regions. Despite its high nutraceutical value, systematic evaluation of jamun cultivars for growth, yield, and quality traits under central Indian conditions is limited. The present study aimed to assess the performance of four cultivars—CISH-J-37, CISH-J-42, Goma Priyanka, and AJG-85—under the agro-climatic conditions of the Satpura Hills–Kymore Plateau region of Madhya Pradesh. A field trial was conducted during 2022–23 at the AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with five replications and single-plant plots (8 × 8 m). Observations on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit physicochemical attributes were recorded and analyzed using standard procedures. Significant variations were observed among cultivars for all growth and fruit quality parameters. Goma Priyanka exhibited maximum vegetative vigour (tree height 6.64 m; canopy spread 5.93 m; tree volume 116.27 m³) and recorded the highest yield (17.17 kg plant⁻¹) with the largest fruit size (16 g). AJG-85 produced fruits with the highest total soluble solids (18.67 °Brix), while CISH-J-42 recorded the highest pulp proportion (91%) and lowest acidity (1.11%). Based on the combined evaluation of growth, yield, and quality traits, Goma Priyanka was identified as the most promising cultivar for commercial cultivation under the semi-tropical conditions of central India. The study emphasizes the importance of cultivar evaluation for region-specific adaptability and provides a foundation for future jamun improvement and utilization programs.