3.2 Effect of SMSTs on fruit yield and quality
In addition to the growth of trees, the SMSTs also significantly (P<0.05) influenced the fruit yield and quality attributes of sapota grown in degraded ravines lands (Table 2 and 3). Among the treatments, highest yield was recorded in SCCBT (38.35 kg tree-1 and 5.98 t ha-1), followed by SBT, SSTS and lowest was obtained in SS (16.85 kg tree-1) and 2.63 t ha-1). SMSTs (SCCBT) significantly (P<0.05) improved fruit set (by 30%) and fruit weight (by 14%) compared to control. However, the reverse trend was observed for fruit drop. The SMSTs increased fruit number and tree yield to the tune of 121-199% and 133-227%, respectively, compared to control (SS). The significant increase in RWP was reported due to SMSTs practices adopted in sapota cultivation. The treatment SCCBT observed for highest RWP (6.34 kg mm-1) followed by SBT and SSTS compared to SS (2.78 kg mm-1).
The SMSTs significantly influenced the different fruit physical parameters, except for fruit length and peel thickness. The highest fruit weight (66.9 g), pulp weight (50.5 g), fruit moisture content (54.4%), fruit diameter (50.8 mm) and fruit volume (62.7 cm3) was observed in treatment SCCBT which was on par with other SMSTs treatments. Statistically least values for these parameters was registered in treatment SS (Fig. 3). However, fruits with higher total soluble solids (26.52 ˚B), total sugars (22.54%) and non-reducing sugars (15.80%) in fruits were obtained in sapota grown on slopes without any SMST. Fruits with higher acidity were observed in all SMSTs treatments compared to control. Statistically least antioxidant activity of fruits was reported in SSTS. Highest vitamin C content was recorded in fruits obtained from SCCBT (14.69 mg) and it was lowest SS which was at par with SSTS. Total phenol content was significantly highest in fruits harvested from control treatment-SS (293.99 mg g-1 GAE) followed by SCCBT and lowest in SBT and SSTS.