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.