GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF CUSTARD APPLE GERMPLASM UNDER SCARCE RAINFALL ZONE

Thirty five germplasm of custard apple have been evaluated for scarce rainfall zone under rainfed at Horticultural Research Station, Anantapur for 3 years from 2005 to 2007 in 10 years old trees for their growth and yield. The plant height per tree (3.2 m) was recorded highest in Phythota-3 followed by MMR-9 (2.91 m). Highest stem girth was recorded (37 cm) in Atemoya x Washington followed by MMR-8 (35.2 cm). Maximum plant spread was recorded in Bangalore (9.5 m3) followed by Atemoya x Balanagar (7.9 m3). The number of fruits was recorded highest (51.4) in Balanagar SR followed by Phythota-3 (45.3). The fruit yield was recorded highest (15.7 kg) in Ramaphal followed by MMR-10 (15 kg). Highest fruit weight per tree was recorded (278.9 g) in Atemoya X Balanagar followed by Y. Palli – 12 (270.6 g). Highest pulp weight (148 g) was recorded in Y. Palli – 12 followed by NLD-5 (123 g). Maximum peel weight (150 g) was observed in MMR – 9 followed by Ramaphal (124.1 g). Highest seed weight (22.6 g) was recorded in Balanagar SR followed by Bellary (20.9 g). Maximum T.S.S was observed (25.9%) in NLD – 8 followed by NLD – 10 (25%). Out of 35 germplasm evaluated the varieties vize;  Atemoya X Balanagar (highest fruit weight), Y. Palli – 12 (highest pulp weight), NLD – 8 (maximum T.S.S), Balanagar SR (more number of fruits/tree) and Ramaphal (highest yield/tree) can be recommendable for scarce rainfall zone under rain fed conditions in poor fertile soils.