Genetic diversity, quality traits, antioxidant properties, and nutrient composition of Feronia limonia accessions from a semi-arid region for breeding and quality improvement.

This study was conducted on forty-six wood apple (Feronia limonia) accessions planted in a randomized block design to evaluate the genetic diversity, quality traits, antioxidant properties, and nutrient composition. Numerous parameters, such as fruit weight (FW), seed number per fruit (SNF), total soluble solids in pulp of fruit (TSSP), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and yield per plant (YP), showed significant heterogeneity in the analysis, suggesting that these qualities could be improved genetically. Both stable and highly variable qualities across accessions were reflected in the coefficient of variation, which varied from 1.94% for root attributes to 132.07% for iron (Fe). To evaluate the possibility of selection in breeding programs, genetic parameters such as genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), heritability, and genetic advancement were computed. Traits such as FW and SNF exhibited high GCV and heritability, suggesting they are highly heritable and suitable for selection. On the other hand, characteristics such as calcium (Ca) demonstrated low heritability, underscoring the impact of environmental influences. Significant positive and negative correlations were found between several traits using correlation analysis. Fruit length (FL) had strong positive correlations with fruit weight (FW), fruit breadth (FB), and pulp weight (Pu), while iron content (Fe) had negative correlations with many other traits. Seven main components were found using principal component analysis (PCA), and PC1 accounted for 22.74% of the variance, which is a considerable amount of the total variation. Based on genetic diversity, a cluster analysis employing Tocher's approach divided the accessions into discrete clusters. Cluster 2 had the highest mean values for FW, FL, and YP, indicating that it may be highly productive. The interactions between the variables were further elucidated by the genotypic path analysis, which demonstrated that yield potential was significantly influenced by indirect effects, especially through traits like FB, DSW, and Mg. These findings point out the critical role of precise trait selection in perennial crops, where long breeding cycles demand careful identification and prioritization of yield-associated traits. Emphasizing selection over broader breeding approaches ensures the retention and enhancement of traits that contribute most directly to long-term productivity and crop improvement.