Evaluation of Performances of Fresh Market Apricot Cultivars and Selections in Coastal Regions of Turkey

Abstract

Twenty foreign and domestic fresh fruit apricot cultivars ( Prunus armeniacaL.) and selections were evaluated over eight years under Mediterranean climatic conditions at Antalya, Turkey. The accessions were evaluated for precocity, bloom and ripening dates and fruit quality. The foreign cultivars ‘Jaubert Foulon’, ‘Precoce de Colomer’, ‘Cafona’ and ‘Canino ITA’ along with the domestic cultivar ‘Sakit 7, and selections 07K14 and 01K11 were the most promising in terms of yield and earliness. Although 33K09 had somewhat lower yields, it was desirable because of its very early ripening. The tree canopies and fruit of foreign cultivars were generally larger than domestic ones, but soluble solids concentrations were lower.