Flowering biology and fruiting phenology study in white crossberry (Grewia tenax (Forssk.)) Fiori.

Knowledge of flowering biology is key for the conservation and efficient utilization of any species in Grewia tenax. This fruit species is now appropriate for commercial production due to the emphasis on food supply, market value and therapeutic utility of underutilized crops in the modern period. Therefore, flowering biology and fruiting phenology studies were carried out on field-established Grewia tenax plants in Kachchh, Gujarat during February to March 2018. Flowers are scented and cream-white with yellow stamens and composed of 5 petals and sepals, ovary and a style, 2 anther lobes and many anthers (66.33 ± 7.51). Bud initiation started in the last week of February and anthesis was observed after 6.40 ± 0.18 days of bud initiation. Flower anthesis starts at 1130 h and is completed at 1330 h with peak anthesis during 1215-1230 h in February. On average 15.55±0.98 and 19.55±0.98 days are required for fruit maturity and ripening. The fruit traits viz. fruit length ranged from 4.93-6.69 mm, fruit diameter 4.06-5.91 mm, respectively. Given the paucity of information on white cross berries, the results of this study will open the path for more in-depth genetic research on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]