In situ characterization of some sweet and sour cherry autochthonous genotypes in West Serbia region

Abstract

Autochthonous cherry genotypes in the Republic of Serbia can potentially provide a rich and useful genetic variability, especially for ripening time, fruit quality and resistance to diseases. Fruit Research Institute, Čačak has a long tradition in collecting new sweet and sour cherry genotypes, as well as in evaluation and utilization of autochthonous material with good agronomic properties. This study was carried out to determine the main biological properties of six sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) genotypes (‘GT-1’, ‘GT-2’, ‘GT-3’, ‘GT-4’, ‘GT-5’, ‘GT-6’), and eight sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) genotypes (‘GV-1’, ‘GV-2’, ‘GV-3’, ‘GV-6’, ‘GV-7’, ‘GV-10’, ‘GV-12’, ‘GV-13’). Over two years (2016-2017), the following properties of in situ cherry genotypes in West Serbia region were investigated: ripening time, pomological properties (morphometric and chemical), and field resistance to causal agents of cherry diseases – cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm.) v. Arx.), brown rot (Monilinia spp.) and cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi L.). The highest average fruit weight among investigated sweet and sour cherry genotypes was found in ‘GT-5’ (11.00 g) and ‘GV-13’ (7.64 g), respectively. The highest soluble solids content was found in ‘GT-1’ and ‘GT-3’ (16.20%) and ‘GV-7’ (17.30%), respectively. In terms of field resistance to pathogens, ‘GT-1’, ‘GV-6’ and ‘GV-10’ showed the best performance. To avoid the loss of this material, it is necessary to collect and characterize these genotypes to allow their conservation in germplasm collections, and to provide preconditions for a successful cherry breeding work.