TY - JOUR T1 - Altitude and Seed Phenotypic Effect on Amygdalin Content in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Kernel JF - Pharmacognosy Journal Y1 - 2019 A1 - Avilekh Naryal A1 - Pushpender Bhardwaj A1 - Anil Kant A1 - OP Chaurasia A1 - Tsering Stobdan KW - Bitterness KW - Cyanide KW - Elevation KW - Ladakh KW - Seed Coat KW - Sweetness AB -

Objective: Genetic component influencing amygdalin content in apricot kernel is well documented. This study aims to evaluate influence of altitude and seed phenotypic characters on amygdalin content in apricot kernel. Methods: Fruits from 126 genotypes differing in kernel taste and seed coat colour were collected from seven locations from 3008-3346 m asl in trans-Himalaya. Amygdalin content in kernel was determined. Results: Amygdalin content in bitter kernel was significan tly higher (44.6±9.0 mg.g-1) than that of sweet kernel (3.1±1.8 mg.g-1) with brown seed coat. The geographical elevation had no influence on kernel amygdalin content. Similarly, seed and kernel physical characters, except seed coat color, had no significant effect on kernel amygdalin content. High variability within genotypes was observed suggesting that genotype played significant role on amygdalin content in apricot kernel. Low amygdalin content (2.4±1.2 mg.g-1) in apricot kernel with white seed coat phenotype confirmed our earlier finding that the white phenotypic marker is associated with sweet kernel. Conclusion: The geographical elevation had no influence on kernel amygdalin content. White seed coat phenotype can be taken as a marker for low amygdalin content in future studies.

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