Impact of hybridity on flavonoid spectrum of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.)

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) demonstrates a rich biodiversity with respect to morphometeric and fruit characters. Much of this has been generated on account of natural cross pollination. In depth studies have been conducted in different crops to evaluate the impact of hybridity on plant morphometric and yield parameters but very few studies were undertaken to evaluate the impact on metabolite constitution. Accordingly, the present study was aimed at evaluating the foliar flavonoid spectrum of two hybrids developed at CIAH, Bikaner viz-a-viz their parents. The results demonstrated that some compounds encountered in parents were present in profiles of hybrids also. Similarly, some novel compounds were also found which might have produced as a result of new gene combinations in hybrid. Like wise some compounds present in parents were not found in hybrids. These could be explained on the basis of epistatic phenomenon.