Vol. 14 No. 2
Multivariate techniques in evaluation of wax apple (Syzygium javanicum Miq.)
Author(s): S. KUNDU, R. SWAMY SEKHAR AND P. NANDI
Abstract: The performance of six wax apple types under West Bengal condition was studied for leaf and fruit characters. Prominent variations were recorded in leaf size, fruit weight (24.35 - 77.63 cm), fruit length (3.10 - 7.27 cm), fruit diameter (3.63 - 5.50 cm) and chemical constituents like total soluble solids (4.47 - 8.73 0Brix) and total sugars (3.84 - 6.39%).ANOVA followed by Duncan's test and Multivariate data reduction techniques like principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used for identifying the homogeneous group of varieties. Scatter diagram indicated that Type 1, 3 and 6 were promising for variables like fruit weight, fruit size, TSS, total sugars, reducing sugar and acidity. Dendrogram showed three clusters and members within cluster I (Type 4 and 5) and cluster II (Type 2, 3 and 6) were homogeneous in studied behaviour whereas cluster III comprised of single member. It is concluded that Type 1, 3 and 6 can be recommended for commercial cultivation in West Bengal.