Evaluation of floral biology, physicochemical characteristics, and shelf life of four selected Ber cultivars grown in Bangladesh

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 ۵, and Gutti Kul ۲) were assessed for their floral biology, physicochemical characteristics, and shelf life in ۲۰۲۳. 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 ۵۱ to ۶۰ days. The male-to-female ratio was highest in Apple Kul (۱۰.۶۷), while BARI Kul ۵ had more fruit sets per axil. Apple Kul and BARI Kul ۵ exhibited the highest levels of ash (۰.۵-۰.۶۵%), carbohydrates (۹.۳۹-۱۴.۳۴%), total soluble solids (۱۲.۷۶-۱۷.۵۱ °Brix), and total sugars. Gutti Kul ۲ had the highest vitamin C content (۷۵.۶۵ mg/۱۰۰ g). The shelf-life evaluation revealed that Khurma Kul and Gutti Kul ۲ retained their marketability the longest, while Apple Kul and BARI Kul ۵ 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 ۵ are promising for nutrition, while Khurma Kul and Gutti Kul ۲ excel in shelf life. These findings suggest cultivar-specific strategies for ber cultivation and commercialization.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ber ، First flowering ، Fruit set ، Physicochemical ، Shelf life