Analysis of Apricot Germplasm through Phenotypic Traits Under the Agro-Climatic Condition

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate different apricot germplasms on the bases of phenotypic traits at the Agricultural Research Institute Mingora, Swat, during the year 2016. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). We choose various traits of six different varieties of apricot, i.e., Protici, Vitilo, Begali, Shernabi, Swat Selection and Luizet, which are collected from diverse agro-ecological zones were evaluated to ascertain the extent of genetic diversity and assess geographical heterogeneity among these varieties. Data on different quantitative and qualitative traits such as number of fruits kg^-1, total soluble solids, fruit color, kernel taste, and stone nature were recorded through physical and biochemical tests. The variety Luizet produced the largest size fruit with an average of 17.33 fruits kg^-1. Whereas, the variety Begali produced the smallest size fruits with an average of 54 fruits kg^-1. The maximum total soluble solids (18.06 oBrix) were recorded in the variety Begali and Luizet followed by the variety Vitilo (17.36 ^oBrix). Whereas the least amount of TSS were recorded in the variety Swat selection (13.2 ^oBrix). The fruits of Shernabi, Swat selection and Luizet had a uniform yellow color. However, fruits of other varieties were greenish to yellowish. Furthermore, free stones were most frequent in the fruits of Protici, Vitilo, Begali, Swat Selection and Shernabi, whereas, Luizet had semi-cling stones. Our results suggest that the variety Luizet is the best in terms of fruit size, TSS, fruit color and kernel taste as compared to the other tested varieties and is recommended for cultivation under the agro-climatic condition of Swat.