Elucidating genetic variability pertaining to flowering, maturity and morphological characters among various apple (Malus ✕ domestica Borkh.) cultivars

Abstract

Apple (Malus × domestica) is one of the most important fruit crops grown commercially in temperate regions. The present study was conducted to gain knowledge on genetic variability pertaining to flowering, maturity and some morphological characters. Earliest initial and full bloom was observed in Benoni whereas ASP-69 was the last to bloom. Irish peach was found to mature earliest (88 DAFB) while Maharaji (176 DAFB) was the last to mature. The maximum average leaf blade length (101.00 mm) was observed in ASP-4 and ASP-10. Lal Ambri recorded maximum leaf blade width (67.66 mm). Minimum leaf blade length (58.66 mm) and width (36.0 mm) were recorded in Scarlet Siberean. Average length of fruits varied between 28.1 mm (Scarlet Siberean) and 85.2 mm (Lal Ambri). The maximum average fruit weight ranged from 14.06 g (Scarlet Siberean) to 202.73 g (Lal Ambri). Fruit firmness was maximum in Scarlet Siberean (9.43 kg/cm2) followed by 9.06 kg/cm2 in Ambri, minimum fruit firmness was recorded in June eating (5.35 kg/cm2). TSS ranged from 10.76 ⁰Brix (June Eating) to 14.93⁰Brix (Shalimar Apple-1). The maximum acidity was recorded in Braeburn (0.33%) while minimum (0.12%) in Ambri and ASP-69. As per Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the cultivars were grouped into 3 clusters. Cluster I (36 cultivars) comprised of the highest number of cultivars followed by cluster II (3 cultivars) and cluster III was monogenic with 1 cultivar. Wide variation existed in the germplasm under study which could be made use of in future breeding populations