Characteristics of promising apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genetic resources in Central Serbia based on blossoming period and fruit quality

Abstract

This study presents results on the performance of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes in Central Serbia. The research included observation and recording of biological (i.e. phenological) traits and in situ sampling of fruits from 1,210 grafted trees for determination of pomological and sensorial traits. A total of 14 genotypes were selected and compared with Hungarian Best (control cultivar). The difference in blossoming time between two years was one month. In 2006, blossoming time was found to be earlier in three genotypes, simultaneous in five genotypes and later in six as compared to the control. In 2007, bloom was earlier in four genotypes, simultaneous in four and later in six genotypes. Average fruit weight ranged from 41.34 ± 0.8 to 81.50 ± 4.1 g, T-5 being the only genotype having the fruit weight lower than Hungarian Best (49.07 ± 2.2 g). The content of soluble solids, total sugars, and mineral matter ranged from 15.72-18.88%, 11.53-14.99%, and 0.29-0.43%, respectively, and total acidity was 0.77-1.08%. The appearance and the skin colour of the genotypes were highly attractive. They have promising traits which suggest that they can be useful parents in apricot breeding programmes.