Documentation of field and postharvest performance for a mature collection of quince (Cydonia oblonga) varieties in Imathia, Greece

Abstract

In this study, the adaptation of 49 quince (Cydonia oblonga) varieties in Naoussa, northern Greece was investigated. All varieties bloomed after 6 April. Apart from the varieties 11107 and 11150, the ripening period of fruits for all varieties was between 27 September and 6 October. The most productive varieties were 11111, 11113, 11108, 11102, 11103, 11114, and 11115. Productivity ranged from 97 to 125 kg per tree. Apart from 11111, relatively low fruit drop percentage was observed for these varieties. Varieties 11111, 11113, 11108, 11102, 11103, 11114, and 11115 were relatively tolerant to natural infections from fire blight. After 4 months of cool storage (2–4°C), varieties 11111, 11113, 11108, 11102, 11103, 11114, and 11115 were moderately susceptible to bitter pit and breakdown. Varieties 11102, 11103, and 11113 were resistant to decay, whereas 11108, 11111, 11114, and 11115 were moderately resistant. Varieties 11102 and 11103 were resistant to scald, whereas varieties 11111, 11113, 11108, 11114, and 11115 showed moderate susceptibility to scald.