Seasonal Progression in Nutrition Density of Mandarin Cultivars and Their Relationship with Dry Matter Accumulation during Fruit Development Period

Seasonal progression in the nutritional concentration of fruit peel, pulp, and leaves of mandarin cultivar Kinnow (KN) and W. Murcott (WM) were evaluated at monthly intervals during fruit development. Marked variations in nutritional content during specific fruit growth stages were observed in both the cultivars. Overall, leaves were the main sight of nutrient accumulation than fruit parts, and concentration was increased with the advancement in fruit maturity. The general order of abundance of macro and micronutrients in leaves was calcium (Ca)>nitrogen (N)>potassium (K)>magnesium (Mg)>phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe)>manganese (Mn)>zinc (Zn)>copper (Cu) respectively. P and K were higher in the pulp, while most of the micronutrients were more in the peel. However, in the case of N equal distribution was observed in peel and pulp of both the cultivars. Leaf nutrient showed a strong association with peel, pulp, and dry matter accumulation. These results emphasized that mandarin can be a good source of minerals, and they have the capacity to reinstate in nutrient-rich foods.