EVALUATION OF SOME NEWLY INTRODUCED APRICOT VARITIES

Abstract

Four apricot varieties Beliana, Ferriana, Australia1 and Australia2 grown in a de-sert area of a private commerical orchard (El-Khatatba region) were evaluated under the Egyptian climatic conditions during four successive experimental seasons of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 years. Evaluation parameters included flowering meas-urement, fruiting attributes, fruit pomological and the morphological characteristics of trees. The obtained data showed that, Beliana and Feriana varieties were superior than Australia1 and Australia2 in total and opening number of flower buds. Beliana, Feriana and Australia1 varieties were earlier and similar in flowering dates com-pared to Australia2. Beliana and Feriana were superior in intial and final fruit set % compared to other two varieties. Days from full bloom till maturity ranged from 48 to 69 days for studied varieties. Beliana, Feriana and Australia1 were also earlier in fruit maturity than Australia2 variety. However, harvest period were longer in Beli-ana during all studied seasons. The yield in kilograms / tree was higher for Feriana and Beliana than Australia1 and Australia2 varieties. Fruit & flesh weight, size and fruit firmness recorded higher values in Australia2 and Australia1 compared to Beli-ana and Feriana. Total soluble solids ranged from 11.13 to 13.01 % for tested varie-ties and fruit acidity ranged from 1.18 to 1.67%. Beliana variety reveald the highest T.S.S/acid ratios as compared with other varieties. The morphological characteristics of trees showed that trunk–circumference was increased as tree age advanced for all varieties. However, the high value of trunk circumference was recorded by Beliana, whereas, the least value was recorded by Australia2 variety. The large tree size was recorded by Feriana, while, Australia2 reveald the smallest size. The number of spurs were higher in Australia2 and Feriana whereas Beliana and Australia1 varie-ties tended to produc more shoots. It could be concluded that Beliana and Feriana apricot varieties could be considered as promising varieties under Egypt conditions due to their precocity , minimum fruit abscission , high yield and early fruit ripening and good pomological characteristics with the exception of size