Properties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes selected in the Čačak Region (Central Serbia)

Abstract

The Čačak region (central Serbia) is famous for apricot growing, accounting for about 10% of total apricot production in Serbia, with 3–4,000 t of fruit produced in high-yield years. Research was conducted from 2008 to 2012 to evaluate a large number of apricot genotypes in the region. Five genotypes exhibiting the best performance were singled out and marked with the letters GG and the numbers 1–5. This paper presents two-year results on the properties of these genotypes and their comparison with cv. ʻRoxana’ used as the control. Phenological characteristics (flowering and ripening), leaf traits and fruit attributes were assessed. The results showed that, compared to the control, all apricot genotypes began to flower 2 to 3 days earlier and were similar in both the progress and abundance of flowering. The onset and termination of ripening in all genotypes were 5 to 6 days earlier than in the control cultivar. As far as leaf properties are concerned, the genotypes GG1 and GG2 had larger leaf dimensions compared to the control. The petioles in all genotypes were shorter and had fewer glands than those of ʻRoxana’. Regarding fruit dimensions and fruit weight, the fruit size of GG5, followed by GG4, was similar to that of ʻRoxana’, whereas the other genotypes had smaller fruit dimensions and lower weight. Soluble solids content was highest in GG1. There was no significant difference in this trait between ʻRoxana’ and the tested genotypes. Overall, the largest number of positive properties was found in GG5 and GG4, which could be used as experimental material in further research, as well as for orchard establishment.