Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of selected Indian pummelo (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) germplasm

India is an important diversity center for different types of citrus species including pummelo (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck). The major objective of the present study was to determine variation in polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, sugars and organic acid in 16 pummelo (red, pink and white flesh) genotypes. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in the fruit quality, polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed among red, pink and white fleshed genotypes. Naringin was the predominant flavonoid compound identified in all genotypes, however, pummelo selection 8 (PS8) and pummelo selection 13 (PS13) were found to be particularly high in naringin. Other phenolics quantified in the juice included, caffeic, epicatechin, benzoic acid, neoeriocitrin, hesperidin, and narirutin. Hierarchical clustering revealed four definite clusters based upon their composition.Thin peeled and red fleshed genotypes, pummelo selection 4 (PS4) and pummelo selection 12 (PS12) with the high concentration of lycopene and phenolics seem to be promising genotypes for breeding elite cultivars.