Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture. Vol. LXIII, No. 1, 2019 Print ISSN 2285-5653, CD-ROM ISSN 2285-5661, Online ISSN 2286-1580, ISSN-L 2285-5653

DIVERSITY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EDIBLE FUTURE FRUITS OF UTTARA KANNADA AND NILGIRIS OF THE WESTERN GHATS IN SOUTH INDIA

Ravichandra HOSPET, Thangadurai DEVARAJAN

Karnatak University, Department of Botany, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, , India

Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstract

Significant fruit crops have been growing in various countries by inhabitants but vast numbers of edible fruits are still there which are not cultivated in well-organized plantations, such fruit crops are referred to as underutilized or minor fruit crops. Many of these fruits are potential source of qualitative nutrition and high medicinal properties. The South Indian Western Ghats regions are the natural reservoir of a number of wild edible minor fruits. In spite of their potential, these fruits are less attended both at scientific and mass cultivation level. Due to lack of proper documentation, the traditional knowledge about the ethnobotanical uses of these fruits has been lost at an alarming rate. The present investigation was carried out during the period from 2016 to 2018. A total of twenty-four wild edible minor fruit yielding belongs to thirteen families were recorded and investigated for their pomological potential. The highest οBrix values were recorded in Garcinia talbotii - 18.50 ± 0.15, Glycosmis pentaphylla - 17.43 ± 0.18 followed by moderate οBrix values were recorded in Prunus serotina - 11.33 ± 0.24, Passiflora mollissima - 10.50 ± 0.23 and less οBrix values were noticed in Berberis tinctoria - 6.93 ± 0.08, Rosa moschata - 6.76 ± 0.18. Significant variations were also observed in various morphological and pomological characteristics. The present investigation more focuses on characterization of fruits with high οBrix values as these fruits further be utilized for their potential in the food and beverage industry as alternate to major fruit crops.

Key words: οBrix value, minor fruits, pomological characterization, Nilgiris, Uttara Kannada, Western Ghats.

INTRODUCTION significant challenge in tribal areas. The most of tribal food resources are available but due to The underutilized, minor or neglected fruits are improper cultivation practices and lack of appellations often given to the edible fruit communication channel plenty of wild edible yielding plants that are endemic rather than minor fruits have not been utilized to desired adapted introductions or non-native and which extent (Ajesh et al., 2012; Sarala and often transformed as a integral part of the Krishnamurthy, 2014). Hence, tribal culture and nutritional source of the indigenous community rarely get considerable benefits people (Padulosi et al., 2002). The wild edible from the abundantly available forest products. minor fruits have the essential roles in the The solution of problem lies only in improving development of food security that encompass and development of techniques includes value being part of attentive effort to assist the poor addition, providing market, and educating for nourishment and reduce risk of over- tribals about the nutritional efficacy of reliance on limited source of major fruits. underutilized commodities. Value addition of Considering these facts, nowadays, wild fruits wild edible minor fruits into more reliable, are gaining increased attention throughout the digestive and convenient products may enhance world as potential source of food and cheaper the economic and consumption value of wild alternatives to the conventional major fruits edible minor fruit commodities and develop (Mayes et al., 2012; Mudasir, 2014). India is nutritional security of tribals (Nandal and the centre of origin for many tropical fruit tree Bhardwaj, 2014). species, most of which are not commercially Several studies have explored that indigenous cultivated but provide a significant source of wild fruits are essential for nutrition, food livelihood support for many rural and tribal safety and economic welfare of rural communities. Specific nutrient deficiency, populations in the developing countries and malnutrition, and underweight of children are consuming such rich fruits helpful in 175 prevention of chronic and degenerative mountain ranges, situated at the tri-junction of diseases (Saka et al., 2007; Adepoju, 2009; , and Karnataka. The Magaia et al., 2013). topography in the Nilgiris District is rolling and Since from past time, unscientific approaches steep. Nearly 60% of the agricultural land falls towards usage of agricultural land and under the slopes. The rolling grasslands, dense deforestation highly impacted on both shoals make the Nilgiris as one of the cultivated and wild fruit crop diversity in India. megadiversity hubs for indigenous fruit plants Focusing on single variety of commercial fruit (Nayagam et al., 1993). crops we could notice that drastic reduction in The Uttara Kannada a popular regional hot spot the wild fruit species diversity. However, in the of central Western Ghats, witness wide range wake of these threats, effective awareness of species richness and distinct biodiversity. It towards usage and benefits of conventional includes several world-famous notable organic farming practices and value addition of biodiversity conservation areas such as Dandeli wild fruits enhances the species diversity and Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park. In geographical indication of the particular fruit its 10.30 lakh hectares of total land, of which crops (Jeeva, 2009; Devi et al., 2012). Hence 8.30 hectares covers forest land. The Uttara sustainable utilization and conservation of wild Kannada District has diverse geographical fruit genetic diversity in surrounding features with thick evergreen forest and environment where the plants developed their abundant floral and faunal diversity and a long potential adaptation with a significant character coastal cover of about 140 km in length. This is one of the potential solutions which is unique patch of Western Ghats also harbouring necessary to look towards it (Mayes, 2012; various rivers like, Kali, Ganagvali, Namera et al., 2014). Aghanashini, Sharavathi and Varada which India is one of the seventeen mega biodiversity promotes a wide range of biological diversity countries in the world. About 70 percent of the (Hebbar et al., 2010). These potential south total geographical area surveyed by the Indian Western Ghats regions are the natural Ministry of Environment and Forests in India, reservoir of a number of underutilized minor 45,500 plant species and representing about edible fruits. These naturally occurring fruits seven percent of the world’s flora are not only nutritionally and therapeutically (Balasubramanian, 2017). The Western Ghats rich but also thrive well under adverse is one such hotspot which covers about 4.0 % environmental conditions. of the total Indian geographical area comprises In spite of their potential, these fruits are less many underutilized, lesser known wild edible attended both at scientific and mass cultivation fruits that are consumed rarely and except few level. It is found necessary to look into the many of them are not explored to the well-organized cultivation practices and commercial level. However, it is examined that improvement of underutilized minor fruit crops these underutilized fruits may not constitute such as Syzygium cumini, Syzygium jambos good source of antioxidants as observed in Syzygium caryophyllatum, Rubus ellipticus, major cultivated fruits but they exhibit other Rubus niveus, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Ziziphus rugosa, Eleagnus conferta, Leea The ethnobotanical studies suggest that till indica, Garcinia indica, Garcinia talbotii, today several rural communities are depending Glycosmis pentaphylla, Bridelia retusa, on the underutilized fruits for their nutritional Aporosa cardiosperma and Toddalia asiatica requirements (Uthaiah, 1994; Narayanan et al., so that their utilization can be maximized for 2011; Nandal and Bhardwaj, 2014; Abhishek the potential application in food and beverage and Thangadurai, 2015; Kailash and Neeta, industry. Therefore, an effort has been made 2016; Kumar and Shiddamallayya, 2016; during various flowering and fruiting season Abhishek et al., 2017). for collection, documentation and The Western Ghats in South India mainly characterization of wild edible minor fruits of comprises of three main regions, central Western Ghats in selected area of the South Western Ghats, Nilgiris and the southern India. Western Ghats. The Nilgiris, one of oldest

176

FigureFigure 1. 1. Maps Maps of of the the study study area area depicdepictingting the fruit collection locations locations at at Uttara Uttara Kannada Kannada and and Nilgiris Nilgiris

MATERIALS AND METHODS the fruit collection locations at the Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris. Collection and Identification The study was carried out during the species- Characterization of Wild Edible Minor specific fruiting season from 2016-2018. The Fruits wild edible minor fruits were collected from The wild edible minor fruits were characterized the various regions of the Uttara Kannada based on their morphological, pomological District of Karnataka and the Nilgiris District features and based on availability at various of Tamil Nadu and all the fruit plant species geographical locations of the Uttara Kannada were comprehensively identified by referring and the Nilgiris Districts. The general field Flora of Madras, Flora of British India, digital observations, status of edible minor fruits, herbarium and finally were authenticated by indigenous knowledge on ethanobotanical floral taxonomists. The study area was selected aspects and consumption of edible fruits was purposively due to the existence of adaptation observed during the field study. Information on for various underutilize minor edible fruits as technical knowledge regarding economic these regions are very well known for their rich importance and ethnobotanical applications of diversity for edible minor fruit plants. A total these fruits was collected by personal of twenty-four minor edible fruit plants were interactions and group discussion with local studied for their potential pomological features. people including street vendors, farmers, The geographical locations of all fruit plants labours, tribals and forest officials. Figure 2 collected have been marked with digital and 3 shows minor fruits collection at the devices for further visit and recollection. Figure Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris. The data on 1 illustrates maps of the study area depicting plant attributes, local names, flowering and fruiting period, fruit utility was collected from

177 study areas. The fresh fruits samples were comprehensive observations and interaction collected in sterile cloth bags. In the with local people belongs to various tribal meanwhile, photographs and herbarium community, street vendors and elder persons specimens were taken, wherever necessary. helps in identify regional names, availability of The key pomological characteristics such as the fruits and also, they share knowledge regarding type of fruits, the color of skin and flesh, fruit flowering and fruiting period of minor fruits shape, fruit surface texture, flavour, the fruit and their economic utility. Further, species length, width and fruit weight values were level identification performed by referring recorded. The pH of the juice was observed Flora of British India, Flora of Madras and using pH meter and οBrix values were recorded Flora of South Kanara. It was observed that using analog hand refractometer as per the various locations of the Uttara Kannada region standard protocols and samples were analyzed mainly Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Karwar, in triplicates (Nawal et al., 2014; Prakash et al., Supa, Mundgod, Haliyal and Ankola has rich 2015). diversity of minor fruit plants such as Syzygium jambos, Leea indica, Glycosmis pentaphylla, RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Syzygium cumini, serratus, Syzygium caryophyllatum, Ziziphus rugosa, Diversity and Distribution of Minor Fruits Carissa spinarum, Elaeagnus conferta, A systematic survey was carried out on Bridelia retusa, Flacourtia montana, Garcinia traditional and economic values of wild edible talbotii, Ixora coccinea, Aporosa cardiosperma minor fruit plants and their geological and Garcinia indica. Whereas in the region of distribution in various areas of the Western the Nilgiris, Rubus ellipticus, Rubus niveus, Ghats of the Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris Prunus serotina, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Region, India. The present investigation was Berberis tinctoria and Toddalia asiatica were carried out during the period from 2016 to dominated at different locations of Udhagai, 2018. It was noticed that both the study areas Coonoor and Kotagiri. The list of wild edible are enriched with various edible fruit yielding minor fruits collected from the Uttara Kannada plants, especially the different locations of the and the Nilgiris includes fruit local name, habit, Uttara Kannada dominate the Nilgiris regions distribution and are well illustrated in Table 1. by witnessing distinct endemic edible fruit plants. A total of twenty-four edible fruit Pomological Characterization of Minor yielding plants belongs to thirteen families Fruits were recorded from both the regions. Mainly The characterization based on morphological juice yielding edible fruit plants were more and pomological features of wild edible fruits concentrated as these fruits can be utilized for was performed such as the type of fruit, fruit their potential in beverage industry as alternate shape, skin color, surface texture, flesh color, to major fruit crops. The fifteen fruits from the taste and οBrix values. Among twenty-four Uttara Kannada and nine fruits from the fruits, thirteen fruits belong to berry, five Nilgiris have been collected and recorded for belong to drupe, two belong to drupelet berry their pomological features. The wild edible and one fruit as capsule was recorded. Fruit minor fruits were season specific hence ripening is a natural irreversible process collected at various fruiting periods from involves various physiological, biochemical January to December. A proper fieldwork plan and organoleptic changes that influence the and sound knowledge regarding study areas development of an edible portion of fruit with makes more comfortable during field visits and potential attributes.

178

Figure 2. Wild edible minor fruits collected at various locations of the Uttara Kannada: Wild edible minor fruits collected at various locations of the Uttara Kannada: Figure1-Syzizium 2. jambos, 2-Leea indica, 3-Glycosmis pentaphylla, 4-Syzizium cumini, 5-Grewia1-Syzygium tillifolia jambos, 6-Syzizium, 2-Leea indicacarophyllotum, 3-Glycosmis, 7-Ziziphus pentaphylla rogusa, 4, -8-SyzygiumCarissa spinarumcumini, , 5-9-GrewiaEleagnus tillifolia conferta, 6-,Syzygium 10-Bridelia caryophyllatum retusa, 11-Flocourtia, 7-Ziziphus montana rugosa, ,12- 8-CarissaGarcinia spinarum talbotii, , 9-Eleagnus13- confertaIxora coccinia, 10-Bridelia, 14-Aporosa retusa, 1 cardiosperma1-Flacourtia ,montana 15-Garcinia, 12-Garcinia indica talbotii, 13-Ixora coccinea, 14-Aporosa cardiosperma, 15-Garcinia indica 179

Figure 3. Wild edible minor fruits collected at various locations of the Nilgiris: 1-Rubus ellipticusFigure, 2-Rubus 3. Wildniveus edible, 3-Prunus minor serotiana fruits collected, 4-Rhodomyrtus at various locationstomentosa of, 5- theBerberis Nilgiris: tinctoria , 6-Toddelia 1-Rubus ellipticusasiatica, 2-Rubus, 7-Rosa niveus moschata, 3-Prunus, 8-Elaeocarpus serotina, 4- Rhodomyrtustectorius, 9-Passiflora tomentosa mollissima, 5-Berberis tinctoria, 6-Toddalia asiatica, 7-Rosa moschata, 8-Elaeocarpus tectorius, 9-Passiflora mollissima The flavour profile of all the wild edible minor moderate οBrix values were recorded in Prunus fruit exhibits notable flavours and aromas such serotina (11.33 ± 0.24), Passiflora mollissima as sweet, sour, astringent, bitter, fruity, (10.50 ± 0.23) and less total soluble solids were aromatic as well. The increase in flavour and noticed in Bridelia retusa (7.23 ± 0.08), aroma during fruit ripening is attributed to the Berberis tinctoria (6.93 ± 0.08), Rosa production of a complex mixture of volatile moschata (6.76 ± 0.18). The fruit length and compounds such as ocimene and myrcene, and width (cm) values were measured as per the degradation of bitter principles involves standard protocol. The highest length values synthesis of flavonoids, tannins, and related were observed in Passiflora mollissima (6.90 ± compounds (Cipollini and Levey, 1991; Malik 0.05), Garcinia talbotii (4.06 ± 0.08), Syzygium et al., 2006; Senthilkumar and Vijayakumar, jambos (3.46 ± 0.08) and lowest values were 2014). Table 2 represents the morphological observed in Leea indica (0.73 ± 0.03) and features of wild edible minor fruits. Bridelia retusa (0.66 ± 0.03). With respect to The οBrix values of all the fruit juices were fruit breadth (cm) highest values were recorded recorded using analog hand refractometer and in Garcinia indica (4.03 ± 0.14), Syzygium samples were analyzed in triplicates. Higher jambos (4.03 ± 0.11) and the lowest values οBrix values (total soluble solids) were observed in Leea indica (0.93 ± 0.03), were observed in Garcinia talbotii (18.50 ± 0.15), observed in Bridelia retusa (0.66 ±0.03). Glycosmis pentaphylla (17.43 ± 0.18), Flacourtia montana (17.36 ± 0.21) and Elaeagnus conferta (14.80 ± 0.05), followed by

180

Distribution (UK) Sirsi, Siddapur (UK) Karwar, Sirsi Supa, Yellapur (UK) Mundgod Yellapur, Sirsi, (UK) Supa, Yellapur (UK) (UK) Karwar Sirsi, Yellapur, Supa, Karwar (UK) Ankola Haliyal, Mundgod, (UK) Yellapur, Sirsi Siddapur, (UK) (UK) Yellapur, Supa Yellapur Ankola, Supa, (UK) Sirsi (UK) Yellapur Sirsi, Siddapur (UK) Sirsi, Yellapur (UK) Siddapur Ankola, Sirsi, Yellapur (UK) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ 72.94 21.12 95.07 69.83 59.81 89.84 12.56 48.43 44.94 70.38 01.97 15.84 44.14 29.98 10.05 93.86 67.18 69.55 41.96 32.09 62.24 89.39 46.58 68.65 13.48 13.87 80.83 98.95 28.57 57.59 ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ .55 .54 .14 .41 .15 .47 .92 .64 .15 .40 .03 .36 .12 .36 .71 .30 .14 .44 .87 .78 .43 .86 .61 .61 .56 .55 .61 .57 .01 .36 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o Sampling Location Sampling Location 14 15 15 14 15 15 15 14 15 14 14 14 14 14 15 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74

Kannada and the Nilgiris Kannada and the Nilgiris -May -May Flowering and Fruiting Season Fl: March-April Fr: June-August April-June Fl: July-September Fr: Fl: February-April Fr: April-July Fl: January-March Fr: April-June Fl: February-May Fr: May-July Fl: March-April Fr: June-August Fl: December-January Fr: March-May Fl: February-April Fr: April-July Fl: November-February Fr: March-April Fl: October-December Fr: January-March Fl: November-February Fr: March-May Fl: November-January Fr: February-April December-February Fl: Fr: February-April Fl: February-April Fr: April-July Fl: November-February Fr: March ollected from the Uttara ollected from Habit Habit Tree Shrub Shrub Tree Tree Tree Shrub Shrub Shrub Tree Tree Tree Shrub Tree Tree Fruit Name Local neerale, Jambu Pannerale (K) (K) Karote Nedili, (K) Gurumani Nerale, Dodda (K) nerale Rudrakshi beejada mara, Athakunge (K) Kunta nerale, Kuntangila (K) Kotte hannu, (K) Chunna (K) Kavale hannu hannu, Hulige Kerahuli, Medduka (K) Kove mullu, Mullu hone (K) hannu, Champe hannu (K) Sampige (K) hannu Taviri hannu Kepala, Kusumaale (K) Salle hannu Sarole hannu, (K) (K) Punarpuli, Murugalu List of Wild Minor Fruits C Edible Table 1. Family Family Myrtaceae Vitaceae Rutaceae Myrtaceae Myrtaceae Rhamnaceae Apocynaceae Elaeagnaceae Phyllanthaceae Salicaceae Clusiaceae Rubiaceae Phyllanthaceae Clusiaceae L.) Retz.) (Gaertn.) (Gaertn.) L. Roxb. J.Graham J.Graham L. (L.) Alston Raizada ex Lam. Lam. (Thouars) (Thouars) L. (L.) A. Juss. Juss. A. (L.) (Burm. f.) Merr. f.) (Burm.

Plant Name Syzygium jambos Leea indica ( Glycosmis pentaphylla Skeels (L.) Syzygium cumini Elaeocarpus serratus ( Syzygium caryophyllatum Ziziphus rugosa Carissa spinarum Elaeagnus conferta retusa Bridelia montana Flacourtia talbotii Garcinia Santapau coccinea Ixora cardiosperma Aporosa indica Garcinia DC. Alston Merr. Choisy

181 Distribution (N) Coonoor Udhagai, (N) Coonoor Udhagai, (N) Udhagai (N) Coonoor Udhagai, (N) Kotagiri Udhagai, (N) Udhagai (N) Udhagai (N) Udhagai (N) Udhagai

(N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) (N) (E) ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ ʺ 78.58 78.74 76.49 28.16 82.76 96.35 78.51 17.92 00.34 50.34 69.58 01.44 51.81 67.25 08.84 85.48 63.97 92.58 ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ ʹ .38 .70 .40 .72 .35 .80 .40 .72 .40 .72 .40 .72 .40 .72 .42 .87 .41 .68 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o Sampling Location Sampling Location 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 Kannada and the Nilgiris (continued) Kannada and the Nilgiris Flowering and Fruiting Season Fl: February-April Fr: June-September Fl: February-April Fr: June-September Fl: January-April April-August Fr: Fl: February-April Fr: June-September Fl: February-April April-August Fr: Fl: January-April April-August Fr: Fl: June-July Fr: September-November Fl: May-June Fr: July-September Fl: May-June July-September Fr: Habit Habit Shrub Shrub Tree Shrub Shrub Liana Shrub Tree Climber ollected from the Uttara ollected from ering, Fr-Fruiting ering, Fruit Local Name Fruit Local (T) Mullu pazham (T) Mullu pazham (T) pazham Poorachi (T) pazham Thavittu (T) kala Oosi annu (T) mullu Siru kindu annu (T) Kattu rose (T) pazham Vikki/Bikki (T) Odey annu/Vazha passion fruit Kannada, N-Nilgiris, Fl-Flow Kannada, N-Nilgiris, List of Wild Minor Fruits C Edible Table 1. Family Family Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Myrtaceae Berberidaceae Rutaceae Rosaceae Elaeocarpaceae Passifloraceae

(Aiton) (Aiton)

(Lour.) (Lour.) Lesch. (L.) Lam. Sm. Sm. Ehrh. Ehrh. Herrm. Thunb.

Hassk. Plant Name Plant Name ellipticus Rubus niveus Rubus Prunus serotina tomentosa Rhodomyrtus tinctoria Berberis Toddalia asiatica Rosa moschata tectorius Elaeocarpus (Kunth) mollissima Passiflora L.H. Bailey Poir. UK-Uttara T-Tamil name, name, *K-Kannada 182 Taste Taste Sweet Sweet Sweet Sweet, Astringent Sweet, Astringent Sweet, Sour Sweet Sweet, Sour Sweet, Sour Sweet, Astringent Sweet, Sour Sweet sweet Mild Sweet, Bitter Sweet, Sour Flesh Color Pale yellow Pale purple Pale pink Deep purple White Deep purple White Dark pinkish purple red Orange Pale brown orange Reddish Pale yellow Bright orange Pale yellow purple Reddish Surface Texture Surface Texture Smooth Smooth Glossy Smooth, Glossy, Smooth, Adherent Smooth Smooth Smooth Smooth Shiny, Smooth, Bumpy Smooth Shiny Smooth, Smooth Smooth Shiny Smooth, Smooth Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris le Minor Fruitsle Minor of the

Skin Color Skin Color whitish, or yellow Pale pinkish sometimes Purple black Pink black Deep purple to yellow Greenish Blackish purple Whitish brown Blackish red small with covered Pale pink white lenticels Blackish red Bright red yellow, rind surface Greenish yellow resins shows Red yellow Aril-Orange brown Purple or Wine Fruit Shape Fruit Shape Spheroid Globose Oblate Globose-Oblong Ovoid Globose High spheroid Globose Ellipsoid Spheroids Globose Oblong Globose Globose Globose Morphological Characterization of Wild Edib Wild of Characterization Morphological Type of Fruit Type of Fruit Berry Berry Berry Berry Drupe Berry Drupe Berry Drupe Drupe Berry Berry Berry Capsule Berry Table 2. (L.) (L.) (Gaertn.) (Gaertn.) (Retz.) L. Roxb. J. Graham Graham J. L. (L.) Alston (L.) Skeels (L.) Skeels Raizada ex Lam. Lam. (Thouars) Choisy Choisy (Thouars) L. (L.) A. Juss. Juss. A. (L.) (Burm. f.) Merr. f.) (Burm.

DC. Alston Fruit Name Fruit Name Syzygium jambos Leea indica Glycosmis pentaphylla Syzygium cumini Elaeocarpus serratus caryophyllatum Syzygium Ziziphus rugosa Carissa spinarum Elaeagnus conferta retusa Bridelia Flacourtia montana talbotii Garcinia Santapau coccinea Ixora cardiosperma Aporosa indica Garcinia Merr.

183 Taste Taste Sweet, Sour Sweet, Sour Sour, Sweet, Astringent Sweet, Astringent Sweet, Bitter Sweet, Bitter, Aromatic Sweet, Astringent Sweet Sweet

Flesh Color Yellow Deep pink Pale red Pale purple Dark purple Pale yellow Pale orange White Pale orange (continued) Surface Texture Surface Texture Rough Rough Shiny Smooth, Garbage Smooth, Shiny Smooth, Shiny Smooth, Rough Rough Smooth Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris Nilgiris the and Kannada Uttara Skin Color Skin Color yellow Golden purple Pinkish Bright Red Purple green Blackish purple Orange red Orange Green Pale yellow le Minor Fruits of the the of Fruits Minor le Fruit Shape Fruit Shape Obovate Obovate Globose Subglobose Obovoid-oblong Globose Subglobose Ellipsoid Obovoid-oblong Type of Fruit Type of Fruit Drupelet berry Drupelet berry Drupe Berry Berry Berry Rose hip Drupe Berry Morphological Characterization of Wild Edib Wild of Characterization Morphological

Table 2. (Aiton) Hassk. Hassk. (Aiton) (Lour.) Poir. Lesch. Lesch. (L.) Lam. (L.) Lam. Sm. Ehrh. Ehrh. Herrm. Herrm. Thunb. Thunb.

Fruit Name Fruit Name ellipticus Rubus niveus Rubus Prunus serotina tomentosa Rhodomyrtus tinctoria Berberis Toddalia asiatica Rosa moschata tectorius Elaeocarpus (Kunth) mollissima Passiflora L.H.Bailey

184 Table 3. Pomological Characterization of Wild Edible Minor Fruits Fruit Name Fruit Length Fruit Breadth Fruit Weight Fruit Juice Brix Value (cm) (cm) (g) pH Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston 3.46 ± 0.08 4.03 ± 0.11 21.60 ± 0.15 4.30 ± 0.05 11.13 ± 0.03

Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. 0.73 ± 0.03 0.93 ± 0.03 3.56 ± 0.12 4.66 ± 0.08 15.20 ± 0.05

Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) 0.90 ± 0.05 1.20 ± 0.11 4.66 ± 0.08 4.46 ± 0.03 17.43± 0.18 DC. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels 2.40 ± 0.11 1.50 ± 0.05 8.36 ± 0.14 3.80 ± 0.03 16.36 ± 0.08

Elaeocarpus serratus L. 3.23 ± 0.03 2.16 ± 0.06 10.16 ± 0.08 4.80 ± 0.05 7.60 ± 0.11

Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) 1.50 ± 0.15 1.36 ± 0.08 8.36 ± 0.14 4.20 ± 0.05 10.26± 0.06 Alston Ziziphus rugosa Lam. 1.70 ± 0.05 1.20 ± 0.05 6.56 ± 0.17 5.13 ± 0.08 12.86 ± 0.03

Carissa spinarum L. 1.53 ± 0.03 1.46 ± 0.06 9.46 ± 0.20 3.53 ± 0.06 16.63± 0.08

Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. 3.30 ± 0.15 1.56 ± 0.12 11.46 ± 0.14 3.43 ± 0.03 14.80 ± 0.05

Bridelia retusa (L.) A. Juss. 0.66 ± 0.03 0.66 ± 0.03 3.50 ± 0.23 4.63 ± 0.06 7.23 ± 0.08

Flacourtia montana J. Graham 1.73 ± 0.06 1.56 ± 0.08 10.46 ± 0.20 3.70 ± 0.05 17.36 ± 0.21

Garcinia talbotii Raizada ex 4.06 ± 0.08 3.73 ± 0.12 42.00 ± 0.05 5.16 ± 0.03 18.50 ± 0.15 Santapau Ixora coccinea L. 1.40 ± 0.05 1.26 ± 0.03 5.63 ± 0.14 5.46 ± 0.06 7.26 ± 0.12

Aporosa cardiosperma 1.13 ± 0.03 1.00 ± 0.05 5.33 ± 0.18 4.30 ± 0.05 10.46 ± 0.24 (Gaertn.) Merr. Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy 3.36 ± 0.08 4.03 ± 0.14 33.40 ± 0.20 3.13 ± 0.04 15.46 ± 0.18

Rubus ellipticus Sm. 1.20 ± 0.05 1.00 ± 0.10 3.50 ± 0.17 3.80 ± 0.05 10.10 ± 0.05

Rubus niveus Thunb. 1.36 ± 0.03 1.16 ± 0.08 3.80 ± 0.05 3.66 ± 0.03 9.56 ± 0.14

Prunus serotina Ehrh. 1.13 ± 0.08 0.96 ± 0.03 4.30 ± 0.15 3.80 ± 0.05 11.33 ± 0.24

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) 2.20 ± 0.05 1.93 ± 0.06 5.30 ± 0.11 4.13 ± 0.03 8.50 ± 0.20 Hassk. Berberis tinctoria Lesch. 1.76 ± 0.08 0.83 ± 0.03 2.80± 0.15 3.80 ± 0.05 6.93 ± 0.08

Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. 1.73 ± 0.03 1.50 ± 0.05 6.63 ± 0.17 2.76 ± 0.06 8.26 ± 0.08

Rosa moschata Herrm. 2.10 ± 0.05 1.73 ± 0.08 7.50 ± 0.15 4.20 ± 0.05 6.76 ± 0.18

Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) 2.73 ± 0.06 1.70 ± 0.05 10.46 ± 0.12 5.13 ± 0.08 8.33 ± 0.13 Poir. Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) 6.90 ± 0.05 3.23 ± 0.18 30.43 ± 0.23 3.63 ± 0.03 10.50 ± 0.23 L.H. Bailey *Values are represented as mean ± standard error of triplicate determination

The fruit weight is another essential parameter (2.80± 0.15). Fleshy fruit acidity is an need to be considered for selection of desired important component of fruit organoleptic fruits for value edition. The highest weight character. It was observed that most of (gm) values were observed in Garcinia talbotii collected fruits show moderate to higher acidic (42.00 ± 0.05), Garcinia indica (33.40 ± 0.20), level of pH. The pH values were recorded Passiflora mollissima (30.43 ± 0.23) and highest in Ixora coccinea (5.46 ± 0.06), lowest value was recorded in Berberis tinctoria Garcinia talbotii (5.16 ± 0.03), Ziziphus rugosa

185 (5.13 ± 0.08) and the acidic pH values were study the majority of collected wild edible recorded in Elaeagnus conferta (3.43 ± 0.03), minor fruits exhibits higher to acceptable οBrix Garcinia indica (3.13 ± 0.04) and Toddalia values and other pomological features. Hence, asiatica (2.76 ± 0.06). Table 3 systematically these fruits can be explored for their potential represents pomological characters with οBrix nutritional profile and dietary supplements. The values of wild edible minor fruits. Considering value addition of these fruits in terms of all the morphological, pomological features, it beverage production may definitely increase was observed that most of the collected wild the consumer demand and mass cultivation of edible fruits though they are common in both these minor fruits in domestic scale may boost the region shown considerable difference in the the country’s economy with respect to food and fruit size, fruit juice yield, taste and οBrix allied industries. values and noticed that drastic variation in flowering and fruiting season in both the study CONCLUSIONS areas, this may be because of the seasonal changes in weather conditions and soil profile. The distinct wild edible minor fruit diversity It was observed that most of the local people was observed in the various locations of the expressed an opinion regarding consumption Uttara Kannada and the Nilgiris. The present and value addition of these fruits by means of investigation provides comprehension details producing local alcoholic and non-alcoholic on diversity, distribution and pomological beverages. Sasi and Rajendran (2012) features of wild edible minor fruits and as a investigation towards ethnobotanical aspects result, a total of twenty-four fruits were and report on wild edible fruits of tribal regions collected from Sirsi, Siddapur, Supa and by Narayanan et al. (2011) and Sathyavathi and Yellapur of the Uttara Kannada and Udhagai, Janardhanan (2011) emphasis more on Coonoor of the Nilgiris witness a rich diversity utilization of wild fruits for value added of minor edible fruit plants. These fruits have products. The role of underutilized fruits in great ability to relieve nutritional deficiency by fulfilling nutritional and economic security of exploring their potential with proper cultivation tribals was well illustrated by Nandal and practices and further may enhance fruit Bhardwaj (2014). Hebbar et al. (2010) production in challenging climate conditions. documented few wild edible fruits and their Although the accurate prediction of climate medicinal importance suggests the importance change combined with population growth is not of domestication of wild edible fruits. In the well investigated, it seems high that meanwhile, many farmers and tribal people horticulture in large areas of the world may expressed vulnerability of such wild edible need to undergo considerable changes over endemic fruit plants caused mainly by next few decades for us to have a chance of pollution, deforestation and climate change. meeting diverse nutritional requirements. The Prakash et al. (2015) reported that depletion of demand of these wild edible minor fruits could forest cover and the increasing human be enhanced through effective awareness interference resulted in losses of wild edible programs on nutritional and therapeutic fruits of the Western Ghats especially in areas importance and well-established marketing of Wayanad, Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu. strategies help in exploring their potential Nayagam et al. (1993) reported wild edible benefits especially in food and beverage fruit plants from the various regions of the industries by means of improving the economy Nilgiris and if compares to present status we of farmers and indigenous people. can observe drastic decrease in the number fruits this may be the reasons above mentioned. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In view of sustainable domestication of these wild edible minor fruits of the Nilgiris and the The authors would like to express gratitude Uttara Kannada, it is necessary to make towards forest officials and informants who awareness program on conservation and proper shared their knowledge and actively utilization of future fruit crops in more participated in the field survey. First author effective strategies. Furthermore, in the present RH, wish to thank Karnatak University,

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