Pomological Traits of Apricots (Prunus Armeniaca L.) Selected From Bitlis Seedling Population

Abstract

The native apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm of Bitlis province and its districts situated in the East Anatolia of Turkey was examined during 2000 and 2001. From the native genotypes twenty-eight genotypes were selected for breeding efforts, and their fruit and flowering traits were recorded with compared to those of standard cultivars 'Hacihaliloglu', 'Kabaasi' and 'Hasanbey'. Selected genotypes had fruit weight between 29.1 g and 60.3 g, soluble solids between 8.2% and 21.6% and acidity between 0.54% and 1.77%. Three standard cultivars had fruit weight between 30.7 g and 43.1 g, soluble solids between 20.2% and 22.4% and acidity between 0.21% and 0.62%. The fruit weight was over 45 g in five selections (BTL-20, BTL-45, BTL-49, BTL-50 and BTL-51) that had higher fruit weight than standard cultivars. The content of soluble solids was higher than 20% in two selections (BTL-49 and BTL-51). Standard cultivars usually had higher soluble solids and lower acidity than selected genotypes. The majority of genotypes had acidity lower than 1%. The fruit size ranged from small (fruit weight between 29.1-37.6 g) to medium (fruit weight between 45.1-60.3 g). The first bloom in late April and full bloom in early May occurred. In March of both years, extreme temperature fluctuations caused damage to flower buds and subsequent yield reductions. The harvest season usually was mid-August. The results indicated valuable native apricot germplasm of the district.