Evaluation of new apricot cultivars from Slovak Republic in the region of Belgrade

Abstract

The evaluation of seven introduced apricot cultivars originated from Slovak Republic was carried out in the region of Belgrade over a period of five years (2009–2013). Control cultivar for comparison was ‘Hungarian Best’. Among studied cultivars small differences in flowering time were found (1–5 days). Average maturing time of introduced cultivars was from June, 18 (‘Velita’ and ‘Veselka’) to July, 15 (‘Veharda’), or from 14 days before to 13 days after the ‘Hungarian Best’. The average yield per tree ranged from 4.1 kg in ‘Veharda’ to 9.4 kg in ‘Vestar’. Compared with the control cultivar, significantly higher yield was achieved in two cultivars: ‘Vestar’, and ‘Veselka’. The average fruit weight ranged from 40.6 g in ‘Veharda to 55.6 g in ‘Veselka’. Significantly higher fruit weight had only cultivar ‘Veselka’, while smaller fruit weight had two cultivars: ‘Veharda’ and ‘Velita’. The content of soluble solids varied from 12.0% in ‘Vesna’ to 17.1% in ‘VS-22/32’. Cultivars ‘VS-22/32’ and ‘Veselka’ stands out for fruit appearance, and ‘Veselka’ also for fruit quality. Among studied cultivars, the best results were shown by ‘Veselka’ which can be recommended for growing in this region, predominantly for fresh consumption. In addition, cultivars ‘Vestar’ and ‘Vesprima’ can also be recommended, mostly for processing.