Apricot Varieties Research Articles

Volatile constituents of different apricot varieties in cool subtropical climate conditions

Volatile constituents of different apricot varieties in cool subtropical climate conditions

Биологические особенности и отбор источников ценных признаков среди интродуцированных сортов абрикоса в коллекции Никитского ботанического сада

The article presents the results of the study of introduced apricot varieties in the collection of the Nikitsky Botanical garden - national scientifi c centre of the RAS. A comprehensive study of 30 varieties of apricot revealed a large range of variation of many features (frost resistance, drought resistance, timing and duration of fl owering, early fruit, yield, etc.), which will allow them to be used in breeding work. According to the set of features, nine introduced apricot varieties were identifi ed as sources of valuable traits for breeding: Harcot, Holovousy, Kioto, Morava, Nugget, Palava, Rana Odolna, Sundrop, Bucuria.

Генофонд абрикосов Таджикистана и перспективы его использования

The results of research of collection accessions are presented. As result of studying, the varieties Festivalny (clone of the Mirsanjali variety), Serkhosil (late-blossoming form), Akhmadi, Olimi and Leninabad (clone of variety Kadu Khurmai) were accepted and zoned by the State Variety Testing Commission of the Republic of Tajikistan by a set of economically valuable features. The varieties Nishoni and Shifo are in the process of approval. At present 35 accessions pass the station test in order to create as a result of breeding, apricot varieties of late fl owering period, more resistant to disease, mainly of universal direction of use, with a potential yield of not less than 16-18 t/ha.

Processing and storage of apricots: effect on physicochemical and antioxidant properties.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of processing methods and storage periods on the three apricot varieties viz. CITH-1, CITH-2 and New Castle. Apricots were processed by freezing and canning of pulp and drying of whole apricots. After processing these were analysed for various physicochemical and antioxidant properties for a storage period of 12months at 4month interval. The results for physicochemical properties like moisture content, TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars showed significant variation with respect to varieties and processing methods during storage. Apricots processed by canning showed highest retention of antioxidants in terms of TPC, FRAP, DPPH and metal chelating activity throughout storage period than that of frozen and dried one. CITH-2 processed by canning, freezing and drying method showed highest antioxidant properties than CITH-1 and New Castle. It can be concluded from the study that canning and freezing can preserve the apricot pulp for 12months and significantly retain bioactive compounds.

An exothermic process involved in the late spring frost injury to flower buds of some apricot cultivars (Prunus armenica L.)

Abstract Freezes during early spring can injury flower buds of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). The reduction in apricot production owing to cold injury to flower buds can be significant and serious problem for apricot growers and is common and among commercial production in some regions of the Turkey. Therefore, in this study, using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), freezing point (FT, LTEs), and/or freezing injuries in flower buds were determined at different development stages, such as first white, first bloom, and full bloom. Some domestic and foreign apricot cultivars tested were Hasanbey, Hacihaliloglu, Sekerpare, Erzincan Tokaloglu, Mihralibey, Salak and Roksana. With the development of flower buds, the frost tolerance of buds decreased, which indicates that their freezing point increased, and the frost tolerance of buds changed according to different phonological stages and apricot varieties. Additionally, cold tolerance of flower buds gradually decreased while their sensitivity to first white, first bloom and full bloom temperatures increased. The apricot cultivars were classified as hardy (Hacihaliloglu and Salak), moderately hardy (Hasanbey, Sekerpare and Roksana) and least hardy (Erzincan Tokaloglu and Mihralibey). The evidence illustrates that this investigation will provide a better comprehension of apricot frost tolerance and will assist to apricot growers in decision-making of frost control practices.

Severity of symptoms of European stone fruit yellows on different apricot varieties

Apricot is an important fruit crop in Hungary. There are large growing areas consisted of orchards of different sizes. These orchards are highly affected by a disease complex the so cold apoplexy with its characteristic symptoms. In this study, the effect of rootstocks and scion varieties on the severity of symptoms was investigated in an apricot orchard near Budapest. Symptoms were assessed in autumn at their most characteristic appearance on the combinations of 5 different scion varieties and 3 different rootstocks in 3 consecutive growing seasons. According to the results of the assessments in most cases, symptoms proved to be more frequent and stronger on trees grown on wild apricot rootstock than on plum intergrafted or myrobalan rootstocks. The variety Mandulakajszi proved to be consistently the least affected variety particularly on plum intergrafted rootstocks. Severity of symptoms observed on other investigated varieties deviated depending on the different rootstocks and growing seasons. To reduce the effect of growing seasons monitoring should be continued.

SSR based characterization of peach (Prunus persica L.) and apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties cultivated in Hungary

The SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers allow the discrimination of the cultivars and determination its specific DNA fingerprints. The aim of this research was to evaluate fifteen apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and fifty-one peach (Prunus persica L.) genotypes cultivated in Hungary to obtain their DNA fingerprints in 6 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) loci by allele numbers and sizes.
 DNAs were extracted from leaves. PCR was carried out with CY-5 fluorescent labeled Prunus microsatellite markers and the products were separated on polyacrylamide gel with ALF (Automated Laser Flourometer)-Express II.
 According to our results, in the case of peach genotypes, all 6 SSRs were able to amplify alleles. UDP 96 005 was the most informative marker and UCDCH 17 was the least due to its monomorphic pattern. Regarding the apricot samples BPPCT 041 did not amplify any allele. In the case of P. armeniaca UDP 96 005 had the highest heterozygosity index as well and the highest number of alleles. The least informative marker was the UCDCH 17. Since the 6 SSR were not enough to discriminate the apricot and peach genotypes, it is suggested to use more SSR primers.

Classification and prediction of early-to-late ripening apricot quality using spectroscopic techniques combined with chemometric tools

Abstract A DA-meter, a hand-held instrument developed from Vis/NIR spectroscopy, and a portable chroma meter based on CIELab coordinates were used to classify the maturity stage of six early-to-late apricot varieties at the wholesale market, using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and the k Nearest Neighbours (k-NN), and to predict their quality and nutraceutical attributes by a stepwise regression analysis. Results pointed out a significant variation among cultivars analysed, regardless of the ripening season. LDA highlighted the key role of fresh weight and flesh firmness (FF), and to a lesser extent of sugar content (TSS) and dry matter (DM), in discriminating apricot cultivars. Based on LDA results and DA-meter index (IAD), it was possible to distinguish samples into four robust ripening classes (0.00-0.10; 0.11-0.20; 0.21-0.30; >0.30). The colorimetric indices allowed to define three classes (a* 70; a* from 5 to 20; a*>20) and to assess the relative ranges of TSS and DM values. Finally, good predictive multi-cultivar models were carried out for TSS, DM, FF, and total carotenoid content (R2: 0.60–0.65). These techniques are promising tools to assess fruit quality, to identify fruit uniform ripening classes and to predict the quality attributes of early-to-late fresh apricots.

Small RNA NGS Revealed the Presence of Cherry Virus A and Little Cherry Virus 1 on Apricots in Hungary.

Fruit trees, such as apricot trees, are constantly exposed to the attack of viruses. As they are propagated in a vegetative way, this risk is present not only in the field, where they remain for decades, but also during their propagation. Metagenomic diagnostic methods, based on next generation sequencing (NGS), offer unique possibilities to reveal all the present pathogens in the investigated sample. Using NGS of small RNAs, a special field of these techniques, we tested leaf samples of different varieties of apricot originating from an isolator house or open field stock nursery. As a result, we identified Cherry virus A (CVA) and little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1) for the first time in Hungary. The NGS results were validated by RT-PCR and also by Northern blot in the case of CVA. Cloned and Sanger sequenced viral-specific PCR products enabled us to investigate their phylogenetic relationships. However, since these pathogens have not been described in our country before, their role in symptom development and modification during co-infection with other viruses requires further investigation.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of some apricot varieties at different ripening stages

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of some apricot varieties at different ripening stages

Effect of fruit maturity level on quality, sensory properties and volatile composition of two common apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties.

The effect of maturity level on fruit quality properties, volatile composition and sensory attributes was investigated in two important apricot varieties (Hacıhaliloğlu and Kabaaşı). The soluble solid content was used as the maturity index for the classification of apricots according to their maturity levels as immature (14-20°Brix), mature (20-24 °Brix) and over-mature (> 24°Brix). Changes in the volatile composition of samples at different maturity levels were characterized using headspace solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the quality attributes of the Kabaaşı were affected to a lesser extent by the maturity level than Hacıhaliloğlu. From the immature to over-mature, fruit weight, dry matter and pH increased while firmness and titratable acidity decreased (p < 0.05) in both varieties. Volatile composition was affected by both apricot variety and maturation levels. The main volatiles were aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, terpenes and hydrocarbons. Compared to Kabaaşı, the concentrations of the volatile compounds were higher in Hacıhaliloğlu regardless of the maturity levels. Among the samples, Hacıhaliloğlu at over-mature level received the highest "overall liking" score. The principal component analysis made on the measured quality attributes allowed the discrimination of apricot varieties and their maturity levels.

New late ripening apricot genotypes from a multipurpose apricot breeding programme in Turkey

The harvest season of apricots is short and fruit cannot be protected in cold stores for a long time. For those reasons, apricot production and consumption are lower than in other fruit species. This study was conducted for the purpose of breeding new late ripening apricot varieties. To this aim, a total of 3718 hybrid genotypes of apricots were obtained from 42 crosses. Phenological, pomological and yield analyses were performed and variations of fruit development period, fruit size, polarimetric dry matter (Brix), total acidity, yield and other traits were determined. Two years of results for important traits are given for 12 promising genotypes. Fruit development period varied between 148 and 167 days, fruit weight 25.2 and 41.2 g, Brix 16.3 and 22.6% and total acidity 0.56 and 1.25%.

The Effect of Phytoplasma Disease Caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ on the Phenological and Pomological Traits in Apricot Trees

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’, the causal agent of European stone fruit yellows (ESFY), is one of the most important pathogens causing considerable economic losses in stone fruit orchards. This study evaluated trees infected and noninfected by phytoplasma ESFY of 16 apricot varieties grown in an orchard in Lednice (Czech Republic) between the years 2008-2014. Pomological traits, phenophases, pollen germination and seed viability were analysed as well as the presence of ‘Ca. P. prunorum’ in pollen, flower organs, fruit flesh, immature seeds and seedlings by nested PCR. One of the most detrimental impacts was the decreased fruit set of infected trees which occurred in 12 out of 16 studied varieties reaching an average fruit set decrease of 16.1%. Pollen germination rates also suffered, showing an average decrease by 11.78% in infected trees. In the analysis of some traits, overall significant differences were observed between the infected and noninfected trees. However, for all analysed traits in different varieties, both positive and negative influences of phytoplasma ESFY were observed. The presence of ‘Ca. P. prunorum’ in infected trees was confirmed in flower parts (only in peduncle in 70.2% of cases) and fruit parts (immature fruit flesh in 42.0% and milky kernels in 26.2% of cases), however, neither in seedlings nor in pollen.

Contribution to the study of some aspects of pollination in six varieties of apricot in the region of M'sila (Algeria)

The present work consists in contributing to the study of pollination. Field observations and tests were carried out on six varieties of apricot in the region of M'sila, "Pavit", "Boulida" "Alarbi","Tounsi","Ben sarmouk" and "Louzi rouge". For natural self-pollination, the branches were covered to avoid cross-pollination, and the fruit set was determined. Controlled pollination was carried out using pollen and pollen from the other trees that bloom at about the same time. The fruit set rate was determined after counting the fruits in relation to the number of blooming flowers. The rate of fruit set varies from one variety to another. Alarbi with 62.5%, Louzi with 69.7%, Tounssi with 56.5%, Bulida with 50.7%, Ben Sermouk with 23.2% and Pavit with 45.8%. The bagging rate of the bagged branch obtained at the end of the physiological fall did not show any significant differences between the varieties and ranged between 77.50% for Alarbi and 41.22% for Pavit. The results show that the number of fruits after manual crossing is zero for all crops. All varieties tested are self-compatible and no cross-compatibility group has been guessed on the tested growths, from self-pollination and inter-pollination.

Effect of fruit canopy positions on the properties of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) varieties

Effect of fruit position in the tree on properties of two commercially important apricot varieties (Hacihaliloglu and Kabaasi) was investigated. Principal component analysis separated apricots based on their variety and canopy position. Hacihaliloglu variety was distinguished from Kabaasi variety by its higher pH, weight, dry matter (DM), soluble solid, citric acid, and catechin content. Major features which contribute to variation of the canopy position were β-carotene, malic acid, catechin, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content, DM, malic acid, and neochlorogenic acid. Fruits located on the top of the tree were richer in phenolic compounds and exhibited higher degree of antioxidant activity measured by 2.2′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS) method than those located on the bottom of the tree. Except for chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, all other forms of phenolic compounds were higher in concentration in the fruits located on the top of the canopy especially for the Hacihaliloglu variety. Practical applications The results of this study may be of interest for apricot breeders as it provides important information about cultivar specific canopy effect on fruit quality. Furthermore, the results can be used by apricot producers for canopy management and pruning strategies to create of homogenous microclimate in the fruit canopy which would limit quality variation.

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity in pulp and peel of apricot fruits of various varieties and maturity stages at harvest

SummaryPolyphenol composition and antioxidant capacities of peel and pulp tissues of six apricot varieties were determined. Variations in polyphenol and antioxidant capacity based on variety (early‐maturing varieties and late‐maturing varieties) and harvest maturity (green mature and full mature) were assessed. The results of principal component analysis revealed that (+)‐catechin made the most important contributions to the antioxidant capacities of the pulp. As the (+)‐catechin content in ‘Dajie’ apricot decreased by 36.8% from green mature to full mature, the antioxidant capacities determined by ABTS free radical scavenging assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity assay decreased by 50.0%, 45.2% and 45.8%, respectively. Levels of phenolic compounds in the apricot peels were approximately 2–4 times higher than those of the pulps. Quercetin‐3‐rutinoside may be substantially responsible for the antioxidant capacities of the peels. The late‐maturing varieties tended to have higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacities than the early‐maturing varieties. The antioxidant capacities in green mature apricots were much higher than those of full mature apricots.

Sugar and organic acid composition of apricot and their contribution to sensory quality and consumer satisfaction

To learn how the sensory quality may relate to the major components in apricot fruit, seven apricot cultivars were used for principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. The results of principal component analysis revealed that fructose and sucrose were the prominent contributors to sweetness, and further contributed to sensory quality and consumer satisfaction of apricot. When the contents of fructose and sucrose in ‘Shushanggan’ apricot increased 10.9% and 25.3% from commercial ripe to tree ripe, the scores of sweetness and consumer satisfaction increased 10.4% and 10.5%, respectively. Malic acid was mainly responsible for sourness of apricots, although it was not the richest organic acid among all the apricot varieties. Color a of fruit made the main contribution to visual appearance of apricot. Hierarchical clustering analysis divided Xinjiang apricot cultivars (‘Shushanggan’, ‘Xiaobai’ and ‘Liguang’) into one cluster, which was prominent in consumer satisfaction. These findings could be useful for apricot geneticists, in breeding varieties with excellent sensory quality and better consumer satisfaction.

Bazı Kayısı Çeşitlerinin Çiçek Tozu ve Döllenme Performanslarının Belirlenmesi

In fruit species, suitable pollinator variety and its pollen quality are effective on fruit setting and as a result, increase the productivity can be provided. For this purpose, some apricot varieties (Iğdır, Tokaloğlu, Precoce de Tyrinthe, Şekerpare, Kabaaşı and Hacıhaliloğlu) were investigated in two different ecology. According to this, pollen viability rates of Precoce de Tyrinthe and Şekerpare varieties were found high, while Kabaaşı variety was low. The pollen production was determined to be high in Malatya although it differed according to the varieties. In İzmir ecology, it was found out that Precoce de Tyrinthe cultivar is appropriate in addition Iğdır variety with appropriate pollinators (Şekerpare and Tokaloğlu) will be possible to grow in high altitude regions that meet chilling requirements. In Malatya ecology, productivity can be increased with all varieties examined depending on pollinators.

Effects of Ethephon and soybean oil on the time of flowering of two apricot varieties from Shahrood, Iran

Effects of Ethephon and soybean oil on the time of flowering of two apricot varieties from Shahrood, Iran

Evaluation of the Composition of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Fourteen Apricot Varieties of North India

Variation in the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity was evaluated in fourteen apricot varieties grown in north India. In the present study, the bioactive composition of apricot varieties of north Indian Kashmir was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS and their contribution towards free radical scavenging was assessed using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. Studies revealed that content of bioactive compounds in apricot varieties was found to vary significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among cultivars. Content of total phenols was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in Rakausilk variety (72.5±3.12 mg/100 g GAE) followed by Viva-gold (71.2±2.11 mg/100 g GAE) and Rakhchekarpo (69.6±1.65 mg/100 g GAE). Halman apricots exhibited the highest content of total carotenoids (12.2±2.13 mg/100 g) followed by Nugget (10.5±1.11 mg/100 g). HPLC analysis of apricot samples revealed the presence of fifteen phenolic acids in Halman, Venatchaa, Rakausilk and New Castle varieties; nine phenolic acid in Rakchekarpo and Sterling apricots; twelve phenolic acids in Shakanda, Nugget, Shakarpara and CITH-1 varieties; fourteen phenolic acid in Viva gold and Turkey varieties; seven phenolic acid in Khante and nineteen phenolic acids in CITH-2 apricots. Strong correlation existed between total phenolics and antioxidant activity for DPPH assay (r = 0.91) and ABTS radical inhibition (r = 0.86) while as moderate correlation existed for FRAP (r = 0.76). For DPPH and FRAP assays; EC50 values among apricot varieties were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in Rakausilk (69.2, 123.6 mg/ml) followed by Viva Gold (74.3, 129.5 mg/ml) and Rakhchekarpo (77.4, 132.4 mg/ml). For ABTS.+ inhibition the EC50 values among apricot varieties were in the order of EC50(Rakausilk) &lt; EC50(Khante) &lt; EC50(Viva Gold). The present study reported the first time presence of p-coumaric acid-O-hexoside, isorhamnetin-O-glucouronide, Kaempferol-3-O-acetylhexoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, sinapic acid-O- hexoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, vitexin and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside compounds in apricot varieties of north India.