Comparative Analysis of Physical and Biochemical Attributes of Edible Fig (Ficus carica L.) Collected from Three Districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Located at Different Elevations
Muhammad Ahsan Naseer1, Mehdi Maqbool1, Saima Rafiq2*, Noosheen Zahid1, Abdul Hamid1 and Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah1
ABSTRACT
Elevation could play a significant role in defining the final quality of fresh fruits. In AJK, fig is grown successfully in hilly areas such as Rawalakot, where the topography of this area is not even as compared to plane areas of this region. Therefore, current study was designed to assess the outcome of elevations on physical and biochemical attributes of wild fig collected from different localities of three selected Districts [Bagh (Arja, Bagh city, Dholi), Poonch (Hajira, Dwarandi, Akhorbun) and Kotli (Sehnsa, Kotli city, Khoiratta)] of AJK. Samples of wild fig fruits were collected and analysed for physical (fruits weight, fruits diameter, neck length) and biochemical attributes (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total moisture, vitamin C, total phenolic and antioxidant activity). Results showed that wild figs obtained from diverse localities have different attributes in terms of physical as well biochemical properties. Maximum fruits weight (6.24 g), fruits diameter (24.09 mm), and neck length (9.51 mm) was observed in fruits harvested from Arja location of Bagh District, while the minimum fruit weight (2.48 g), fruit diameter (16.69 mm), and neck length (2.81 mm) was observed in fruits harvested from Khoiratta location of District Kotli. Similarly, in terms of biochemical quality attributes, maximum titratable acidity (0.30 %), total soluble solids (14.02 ºBrix), total moisture (77.54 %), vitamin C (9.29 mg/100g), total phenolic contents (14.83 %) and antioxidant activity (38.66 %) was observed in fruits harvested from Arja location of Bagh District, while the minimum titratable acidity (0.14 %), total soluble solids (10.42 ºBrix), total moisture content (67.67 %), vitamin C (6.62 mg/100g), total phenolics (5.93 %) and antioxidants (17.33 %) were found in figs harvested from Khoiratta locality of District Kotli. Based on the results obtained during study, it is suggested that District Bagh is more suitable for growing fig as compared to other two locations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, detailed studies are needed to establish its supply chain system and storage conditions for its marketing at national and international level.
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December 2020
Vol. 33, Iss. 4, Pages 692-956
