Performance of some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm accessions for fruit quality traits in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out in field gene bank of NBPGR Regional Station Phagli, Shimla during the year 2014-15. Twenty accessions of Prunus armeniaca L. namely St. Ambroise, Wenatchee, Nugget, Stirling, Nari, Harogem, Rakovslik, Viva Gold, IC-432145, Erevani, Safed Perchinar, KS-1, AS-1, AS-2, NJ-A96, Jordan Early, Vitillo, Shahib, Kalola and Anglo Arsani were evaluated for their tree, foliage, floral and fruit characters. St. Ambroise recorded maximum tree height (10.10 m) whereas minimum (2.47 m) was in Stirling. Shedding of leaf started from 29 th October (Nugget) and extended till 27 th November (Vitillo). Time of full bloom extended from 16 th March in Shahib to 23 rd March in Safed Perchinar. The longest duration (22 days) of flowering was recorded in Erevani and shortest (9 days) in Wenatchee. Time of fruit maturity was early (25 th May) in Shahib and late (26 th June) in Vitillo. Largest and heaviest fruits were observed in St. Ambroise (77.59 g) whereas smallest and lightest fruits were in Viva Gold (19.37 g). Maximum pulp to stone ratio was recorded in Safed Perchinar (33.21) and minimum in Nari (15.57). TSS content was maximum (19.56 °B) in Nari whereas minimum (10.73°B) in Anglo Arseni. Titratable acidity was recorded maximum (1.86 %) in AS-1 and minimum (0.76%) in IC 432145. Total sugar content ranged from 8.40 per cent in Anglo Arseni to 16.53 per cent in Nari. Total phenol content was maximum (89.57 mg/100 g) in AS-1 and minimum (70.41 mg/100 g) in IC432145. From the present investigation it may be concluded that St. Ambroise, Nari and Shahib can be used for gene source for developing new hybrid cultivars and St. Am-broise may be suggested for cultivation in wet temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh for its better quality.