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The study on changes in physico-chemical parameters of fruit on eight ber cultivars viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran and ZG-2 was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India during the season of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The experiment was laid out in two factors Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Sampling dates and cultivars were considered as the treatments. There were 11 sampling dates ranging from 28 to 168 days after full bloom (DAFB), with observations taken at biweekly interval. In pooled data at 168 DAFB, Sanaur-2 recorded the maximum (6.89) pH while the minimum (6.62) in Kalagola. Umran recorded the maximum (83.55) ascorbic acid while the minimum ascorbic acid content was found in Sanaur-4 (66.50). Chhuhara recorded the maximum (9.31) total sugars while the minimum (7.55) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (4.45) reducing sugars while the minimum (3.19) in Kalagola. Chinese recorded the maximum (5.08) non-reducing sugars while the minimum (4.06) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (138.38) TSS: acid ratio (Total soluble solids: acid ratio) and minimum (75.78) in Kalagola. The findings therefore imply that matured ber could be used for naturally occurring antioxidants and that the advanced ripening stage is the best time to collect fruit for fresh consumption or for commercial processing. Breeders will be helped by these kinds of studies to create new breeding programmes, find potential cultivars for breeding, and choose the best time to harvest for domestic and international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt is a narrow endemic wild edible fruit-bearing species found in Uttarakhand Himalaya and has the potential of breeding compatibility with economically important Mahonia and Berberis species. Berry fruits of the species were explored for nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant potential among three sampling locations. Fresh berries appeared a good source of diverse nutrients (carbohydrate 1.07–1.25 g/100 g, protein 0.97–1.13 g/100 g, non-reducing sugar 3.38–3.92 mg/g, and total sugar 9.86–12.87 mg/g); minerals (e.g. sodium 0.56–0.65 mg/100 g and potassium 0.99–1.14 mg/g); and vitamins (ascorbic acid 3.87–4.49 mg/g, thiamine 9.97–11.57 µg/g and carotenoids 1.67–1.94 mg/g). Similarly, phytochemicals (total anthocyanin 18.93–22.12 mg/g, phenolics 1.56–1.80 mg GAE/g, flavonoids 1.49–1.73 mg QE/g, flavonols 4.88–5.66 mg CE/g, and tannins 6.53–7.58 mg TAE/g) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (measured by ABTS assay, DPPH assay, OH· radical scavenging activity and FRAP assays) varied significantly (p <.05) among localities. Various phenolic compounds (particularly, chlorogenic acid 9.93–13.77 mg/g; caffeic acid 0.32–0.65 mg/g; syringic acid 0.30–0.47 mg/g fw) present in the methanolic extract also varied significantly among the localities. Thus, this phytonutrient- and antioxidant-rich genetic resource can be utilized for health-promoting functional foods. Also, the results of the present study indicated that the variation in nutritional, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity among the locations can be utilized for elite selection, quality control, and breeding programs in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]