Physico-Chemical Changes and Pest Incidence Associated with Development of Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) Fruit

Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) is one of the most important minor fruit crops with medicinal and antioxidant properties grown in India from sea level to moderately high altitude [1]. It belongs to the family Rutaceae and it’s type of fruit is amphisarca. Sarkar et al. [2] stated that it was originated from south East Asia. It flowers between April and May months, while harvesting is done in April (next year) Bael fruits are very hardy and mature after 10-11 months from fruit set [3]. Fruit development stages (FDS) are associated with significant changes in carbohydrates, sugars and poly-phenol content. Bael contains appreciable amount of minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe and other elements which are very important for human health. Tender bael powder can be stored for long time, if harvested at 4-8 months after fruit set. Tender bael fruits when cut into pieces, dried and ground into powder forms can be used in different pharmaceutical preparations. The mature bael pulp contains carotene and vitamins. Protein and secondary metabolites (poly-phenol) also changes during FDS up to November (green stage) [4]. It is useful in the treatment of diabetic patients due to high contents of mucilage and secondary metabolites as caumarin and mamelosin [5]. Bael is also effective against cancer, cardiovascular diseases and ulcer [6]. Bael fruit borer and fruit fly incidence are associated with ovipositor on smooth green surfaces of fruits when poly-phenol content of the fruit decreases between 3-4 months after fruit setting [7]. The bael pulp and juices are excellent summer refresher. Even RTS (ready to serve) and bael squash and slab are popular in north as well as south India [8]. Fruit borer and fruit fly infestation at FDS have been found to responsible for major damages leading to fruit dropping after browning and economic yield losses under rain-fed ecosystem.