Phenological and pomological characterization of promising sapota selections

Abstract:

Roughly 78% of sapota orchards across sub-Saharan Africa still rely on unselected seedling populations, leaving enormous potential for yield gains through systematic selection [1]. This research characterised five promising sapota (Manilkara zapota L.) selections from the Limpopo Agricultural University germplasm block in Polokwane, South Africa, over three consecutive fruiting seasons (2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24). Phenological observations covered days to first flowering, flowering span, fruit set percentage, days from fruit set to harvest maturity and total crop duration. Pomological traits included average fruit weight, length and diameter, pulp-to-seed ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, pulp recovery percentage, shelf life at ambient temperature (23–27 °C) and sensory quality scores. Selection S-17 recorded the earliest flowering (87 days after dormancy break) and the highest mean fruit weight (124.6 g), while S-42 led in TSS (25.3 °Brix) and shelf life (11.2 days). Pulp recovery was greatest in S-17 (74.3%), followed by S-42 (72.8%) and S-24 (71.9%). Fruit set ranged from 12.6% in S-09 to 23.7% in S-17, a difference that was consistent across seasons. Sensory panels gave the highest overall acceptance scores to S-42 and S-17, mainly because of sweetness and texture ratings. Seasonal variation was moderate for fruit weight (CV 8.4–12.7%) but low for TSS (CV 3.1–5.8%), suggesting that soluble-sugar accumulation is under tighter genetic control. Based on combined phenological reliability and pomological merit, S-17 and S-42 are recommended for further multiplication and multi-location testing as potential named cultivars for the southern African sapota industry.