Studies on the Performance of Custard Apple (Annona squamosal L.) Cultivars and Varieties Under Rainfed Vertisol Condition of Tamil Nadu

A study was conducted in block vertisol region of Southern part of Tamil Nadu with the view to find out suitable custard apple cultivars for the region. Twelve years old five cultivars viz., Mammoth, Raydurg, Arka Sahan, Balanagar, and APK (Ca)1 were undertaken for this study, which were planted at the spacing of 6 m x 6 m following randomized block design having three replications with ten trees in each replication. Results of three consecutive years of study clearly indicated that, the variety Arka Sahan showed increased tree height (6.28 m), number of primary branches (4.10), number of secondary branches (9.0), plant spread E-W (4.94 m) and plant spread N-S (4.77 m). The variety Mammoth recorded enhanced stem girth (85.67cm). Among the five custard apple varieties evaluated, Arka Sahan recorded the enhanced individual fruit weight(214.12g), less number of seeds / fruit (8.88), pulp weight (60.76g) and TSS (30.32 oBrix). The variety Raydurg showed less rind weight of 41.89 g / fruit. The variety Balanagar recorded the increased number of fruits/tree (250.36), yield / tree (22.79kg) and yield (6.15 tonnes/ha) followed by APK 1 showed number of fruits / tree (204.45), yield /tree (21.20 kg) and yield (5.72 tonnes/ha). TSS ranged from 21.67 to 30.32 oBrix. Considering overall performance, the cultivars Balanagar and APK (Ca) 1 are recommended for commercial cultivation in black vertisol region of Southern part of Tamil Nadu or in similar agro-climatic condition. The cultivar Arka Sahan showed enhanced growth and vegetative characters but special care (Artificial hand pollination) should be taken for fruit setting and retention.