Harnessing genetic diversity in bael (Aegle marmelos) germplasm to enhance yield and quality traits under rainfed hot semi-arid environment

Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corr.), an underutilized fruit tree of medicinal, ecological, and economic importance, exhibits remarkable adaptability across diverse agro-climatic zones in South and Southeast Asia. However, systematic breeding efforts remain limited, and the absence of improved, trait-specific cultivars has restricted its wider cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and select the best-performing genotypes among sixty-nine (69) bael germplasm for adaptability and cultivation in India. Descriptive statistics revealed wide phenotypic variability, particularly in fruit weight (CV = 78.56%), pulp weight (CV = 96.86%), and seed weight (CV = 64.04%). ANOVA confirmed highly significant genotypic differences across traits, with high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation values recorded for fruit yield and dimensions, and dry matter, suggesting strong genetic influence and scope for selection. Yield per plant correlated positively with fruit length (rg = 0.76), fresh weight (rg = 0.52), and seed dry weight (rg = 0.72), but negatively with total soluble solids and ascorbic acid, indicating a trade-off between yield and quality. Among the evaluated germplasm, the genotypes CHESBS-33, CHESBS-47, CHESBS-55, and CHESBS-66 emerged as the best performers, exhibiting superior fruit weight, pulp weight, and yield per plant. Cluster analysis using K-means and hierarchical methods grouped the germplasm into six and three clusters, while principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first four components accounted for 73.77% of the total variability, largely influenced by fruit length, pulp weight, and yield. Several superior genotypes were identified for both yield and quality traits. The study highlights considerable genetic diversity in bael germplasm, offering opportunities for targeted selection and breeding. Identified superior genotypes provide a foundation for developing high-yielding and quality cultivars, supporting sustainable utilization, conservation of genetic resources, and promotion of climate-resilient horticulture in rainfed semi-arid regions.