Stone Fruit Cultivars and Breeding in Hungary

Abstract

Selection of stone fruits has a long tradition in Hungary. The proportion of Hungarian cultivars is high among cherries and apricots. The local selection and controlled hybridization of sweet cherry, tart cherry and apricot have improved dramatically the cultivar choice for the last two decades. The wide choice of Hungarian local cultivars and hybrids is a considerable source of breeding not only in Hungary but in other countries as well. The characteristics of the best selections are summarized.

Testing and evaluating of foreign peaches, nectarines and plums is necessary. Starting of their controlled hybridization is important in order to realize cultivars most adaptable to the Hungarian environmental conditions and most suitable to the market.