Promising Apricot Genetic Resources From the Lake Van Region

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to select valuable genetic resources (Prunus armeniaca L.) of apricot in Gevas, situated on Lake Van Region (East Anatolia) of Turkey during 1998 and 1999. All population consisted of native apricot genotypes were examined with respect to fruit and tree characteristics for two years, and twenty-eight genotypes were selected for future breeding efforts. Their flowering habit and desirable fruit characteristics were determined in comparison with 'Hacihaliloglu'. All selected apricots grown at 1700 m in the region were not affected by late spring frosts. In the majority of genotypes, bud break, first flowering, full flowering and end of flowering occurred a few days earlier than the cultivar 'Hacihaliloglu' in both years, whereas, harvest was later than that. Some selections produced larger fruits than 'Hacihaliloglu'. All genotypes showed a range of 25-48 g for fruit weight, 11-21% for soluble solids and 0.19-2.90% for acidity. Soluble solids content was more than 20% in three selections (G12, G29 and G33), and the acidity was lower than 1% in five genotypes (G2, G12, G27, G29 and G33). Selections with attractive fruit colors had small to medium-sized fruits. Many genotypes were evaluated as promising for further breeding efforts.