Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa): a resilient fruit tree for sustainable horticulture in semi-arid ecosystem
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Review Articles | Published: 28 December, 2025
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Keywords: Cauliflory, Metaxenia, Marker biotechnology, Marmelosin, Genomic resources
Abstract
Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa), commonly known as Bengal quince, golden apple, or stone apple, is a resilient fruit tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Well adapted to arid and semi-arid agroecological zones, bael holds significant promise for climate-resilient agriculture and nutritional security. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, taxonomy, genetic diversity, propagation techniques, cultivation practices, and abiotic and biotic stress management strategies associated with bael. The fruit is nutritionally rich, containing essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic properties. The review also explores the traditional and ethnomedicinal uses of bael, particularly in the treatment of gastrointestinal, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders. Advances in biotechnological tools, such as tissue culture, micropropagation, and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation, have opened new avenues for genetic improvement, germplasm conservation, and trait enhancement in bael. Despite its wide ethnobotanical and pharmacological relevance, the crop remains underexploited in modern agriculture and medicine. Future research should prioritize clinical validation of therapeutic claims, elucidation of underlying mechanisms of bioactivity, and the identification of specific biochemical and molecular markers for cultivar improvement. This review serves as a consolidated resource for researchers, horticulturists, and policymakers aiming to harness the full potential of A. marmelos for sustainable horticultural development, functional food applications, and health-focused innovations in resource-limited environments.
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ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH-RS), Vejalpur, India