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Balanagar custard apple (Sitaphal) Photo: Ram kumar · Pexels License · source ↗

Balanagar custard apple (Sitaphal)

Balanagar is a leading commercial cultivar of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), known locally as sitaphal or seetaphalam, selected at the Fruit Research Station, Balanagar, Mahabubnagar district (erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana). It accounts for the bulk of organised custard apple plantings across the Telugu-speaking states and is one of the most widely planted commercial sitaphal varieties in peninsular India.

Key characteristics

  • Origin: selection at FRS Balanagar, Mahabubnagar (Telangana)
  • Species: Annona squamosa L.
  • Fruit weight: 200-300 g average; 9-15 fruits per plant in early years rising to 50-80 in mature trees
  • Pulp recovery: about 38-40%; TSS 23-28 deg Brix
  • Seeds: relatively few for the species, fewer than many wild types
  • Bearing habit: deciduous; flowers on new shoots after the pre-monsoon flush
  • Time to first commercial crop: 3rd-4th year after planting

Cultivation

Balanagar custard apple is propagated by softwood grafting on Annona squamosa or A. reticulata seedling rootstock; spacing is 5 x 5 m (about 160 plants/acre) on light, well-drained red soils typical of Rayalaseema and southern Telangana. The crop tolerates considerable drought once established and is widely grown rainfed in marginal lands; supplemental drip irrigation greatly improves fruit size and yield. Light pruning after harvest, removing dead and crossing branches, encourages a uniform new-shoot flush that bears the next season's crop.

Pest and disease profile

Mealybug (Mealybug Orchard Pest) on developing fruits and inflorescences is the major insect pest; fruit fly damage occurs on ripening fruit (Fruit Fly Orchard Pest). Anthracnose, leaf spot, and black canker affect leaves and shoots in humid years. Pre-harvest fruit drop and post-harvest mechanical bruising are major quality issues because the fruit ripens rapidly after softening.

Usage and adoption

Balanagar dominates organised custard apple cultivation in Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Anantapur (Anantapur Custard Apple Belt) and adjoining dryland districts. Fresh fruit accounts for nearly all sales; pulp extraction for ice cream, sharbat, and milkshake premixes is an expanding processing segment.

See also: Anantapur Custard Apple Belt, Mealybug Orchard Pest, Fruit Fly Orchard Pest.

Sources

  1. Custard apple varieties. ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru.
  2. Annona Production Technology. ICAR-CISH Lucknow.