Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Scientia Horticulturae
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scihorti

A breeding project: The selection of promising apricot (Prunus

armeniaca L.) genotypes with late blooming time and high fruit quality
Abdollah Khadivi-Khub , Zahra Khalili
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, 38156-8-8349 Arak, Iran

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the most important stone fruits grown in the world, basically
Received 20 October 2016 due to its good taste and multi uses. In many areas of world and also Iran, apricot production is limited
Received in revised form by spring frosts that can damage the sensitive non-dormant tissues. The current study was conducted
16 December 2016
within a seedling population of apricot to select superior genotypes in term of consistent late-owering
Accepted 28 December 2016
date and high fruit quality. In the rst step, the pre-selection was carried out according to owering date
Available online 7 January 2017
among 894 genotypes. As a result of pre-selection, 73 trees were late-owering. Then, the selected 73
late-owering trees were further evaluated according to vegetative and fruit characteristics. The variation
Keywords:
Prunus armeniaca
was observed for traits related to fruit. Variability found in fruit weight was between 33.01 and 66.01 g,
Breeding in fruit esh weight between 31.4562.43 g, and in total soluble solid (TSS) between 15.0023.00%. Fruit
Superior genotypes dimensions and weight were in signicant positive correlation with each other. Cluster and principal
Late-owering component analyses conrmed considerable diversity in the studied germplasm. All of the studied 73 late-
Fruit quality owering genotypes could be useful as a parent to improve owering season of cultivars. Furthermore,
among them, nine genotypes including Gharekahriz-69, Gharekahriz-65, Gharekahriz-13, Gharekahriz-
47, Gharekahriz-59, Gharekahriz-34, Gharekahriz-17, Gharekahriz-58 and Gharekahriz-38 were superior
in terms of consistent high fruit quality and can be singled out for cultivation.
2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) belongs to family Rosaceae and
sub-family Prunoideae. Apricot cultivars are classied into four
eco-geographical groups: Central Asian, Irano-Caucasian, Euro-
pean, and Dzhungar-Zailing (Kostina, 1969). Iranian apricot
cultivars belonging to the Irano-Caucasian group include mostly
self-incompatible and low cold requirements apricots from the
Caucasian, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, North Africa, and cultivars from South-
ern Europe (Hormaza, 2002). Apricot is a highly important fruit
crop with many health benets, which contributed to the increase
of its commercial importance, especially in the temperate zone. It
is very favorable among consumers due to its richness in nutrients
and vitamins. Consumers interest focuses on the avor and aroma
of high quality apricots, especially sugar content which is one of
the most appreciable quality attributes (Ruiz and Egea, 2008). The
diversity of apricot cultivars shows that it has a good adaptation
capability to local climate. The diversity of fruit cultivars allows
production with the best characteristics such as high sugar content,
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: a-khadivi@araku.ac.ir (A. Khadivi-Khub).
tasty esh, aroma, important size, attractive color, and extensive
harvesting period (Ruiz and Egea, 2008).
Iran is one of the most important apricot producing countries in
the world, accounting for more than 10% of the global production
(FAO, 2012) and it has a long history of apricot cultivation as well as
a rich apricot germplasm. The Iranian apricot germplasm is quite
a genetically rich population. Bailey and Hough (1975) reported
that Iran is one center of origin for wild and cultivated apricots.
In the past, most apricot trees in Iran have been propagated by
seed, so there were numerous varieties and strains. The identi-
cation and the classication of apricot genotypes are complicated
because of the presence of abundant coincidences of names and
synonyms. Probably, several cultivars are indicated by the same
name (homonyms), or the same cultivar, in either the same or
different environments is known by different names (synonyms).
One of the most important factors inuencing plant breeding
is the existence of genetic diversity. Therefore, the identication
and estimation of the genetic diversity as well as its nature are of
paramount importance for a successful breeding program.
One of the major limiting factors in the intensive spread of apri-
cot in most of countries including Iran is spring frost which kills
blossoms. Also, most of apricot genotypes cultivated in orchards are
marked by great differences in terms of pomological traits. Apricot

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2016.12.027
0304-4238/ 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
94 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102
breeding programs are under way in many countries, where spe-
cic attention is being focused on high quality fruits, resistance to
winter and late spring frost, late blossoming and extended ripen-
ing season, as well as on the adaptability to different environmental
conditions (Milosevic et al., 2010).
Morphological descriptors can help apricot breeders to select
the most suitable accessions for breeding programs (Engels et al.,
1980). The study of phenotypic traits is precise enough for the iden-
tication and analysis of the underlying genetic diversity between
the various plant genotypes (UPOV, 1995), while the evaluation
of morphological traits through phenotyping constitutes a quick
method to characterize germplasm and provides useful qualitative
information for breeding. Characterization of phenotypic diversity
and structure is paramount to discover the phenotypic traits that
contribute to the total diversity in a germplasm collection and dis-
cover the levels of variation among the cultivars (Furones-Prez
and Fernndez-Lpez, 2009; de Oliveira et al., 2012; Mehmood
et al., 2014). Studies of morphological diversity have been carried
out on owers, fruits and leaves of apricot germplasm accessions.
These investigations have demonstrated that morphological mark-
ers are useful for structuring the diversity of apricot populations
and germplasm collections (Perez-Gonzales 1992; Badanes et al.,
1998; Balta et al., 2002; Asma and Ozturk 2005; Asma et al., 2007;
Mratinic et al., 2011; Yilmaz et al., 2012; Milosevic et al., 2010).
In many countries, new breeding material of apricot cultivars
and traditional local genotypes are compared to evaluate their
performance in different climatic conditions (Asma et al., 2007;
Mratinic et al., 2011; Yilmaz et al., 2012; Milosevic et al., 2010). In
plant breeding programs, the attention has been focused on nd-
ing the appropriate parents for hybridizations. A large number of
studies have been carried out towards the characterization of fruit
traits involved in fruit quality.
The breeding programs require characterization of apricot
germplasm by morphological traits. However, the available infor-
mation about the morphological characteristics of Iranian apricot is
limited. In many areas of world and also Iran, apricot production is
limited by spring frosts that can damage the sensitive non-dormant
tissues.
Apricot cultivars with late-owering can be cultivated in moun-
tain areas, where the late frosts are frequent. The genetic variation
of native apricot populations presents many opportunities for
breeding. The aim of the present work was to select new apricot
genotypes combining late-owering with high fruit quality and
quantity. Thus, the aims of the present study were (i) to evalu-
ate local apricot genotypes, (ii) to identify late-blooming genotypes
and (iii) to detect superior genotypes in terms of fruit quality.
2. Material and methods
2.1. Plant materials
In the present study, a vast population of apricot was assayed in
Gharekahriz part, Arak region, Markazi province, Iran. Gharekahriz
is located at 33 56 26 N latitude, 49 25 14 E longitude and 1910 m
height above sea level with 312 mm annual precipitation. The
monthly average temperature of Gharekahriz for two years study
is presented in Table 1. Markazi province is an important produc-
ing region of apricot fruit in Iran. In the rst step, pre-selections
were done according to blooming time within 894 apricot trees
originated from seed from ve orchards which the orchards were
very near each other. The genotypes with early and middle bloom-
ing dates were eliminated and nally, 73 late-blooming trees were
selected the rst year. Then, in the second step, the late-blooming
selections were further evaluated according to their vegetative
and fruit characteristics to determine superior types. The selected
Table 1
The monthly average temperature of Gharekahriz.
2015 2016
Month Mean temperature (C ) Mean temperature (C )
January 1.40 1.20
February 5.40 4.90
March 10.60 9.90
April 13.50 14.10
May 17.90 19.00
June 25.10 25.90
July 29.60 29.00
August 26.80 27.70
September 22.60 23.60
October 15.10 14.60
November 7.90 5.90
December 1.20
genotypes were named based on their location, and these names
were supplemented with numerical characters. The selected trees
were mature (810 years old), healthy, and had a full crop. Gen-
eral orchard management including irrigation, nutrition, pest and
disease control, was consistent with commercial practices.
2.2. Variables studied
Morphological characterization have been carried out for ow-
ers, trees, leaves and fruits for two consecutive years (2015 and
2016), using 24 quantitative morphometric traits (measured on
a set of 30 leaves and 30 fruits for each genotype) and 28 qual-
itative morphological characters (totally 52 traits) dened in the
guidelines for the conduct of tests for distinctness, homogeneity
and stability established by the international union for the pro-
tection of new varieties of plants (Guerriero and Watkins 1984;
IBPGR). Dimensions (length, width and thickness) for leaf, fruit,
stone and kernel were measured by a digital caliper. Weight for
fruit, stone and kernel was measured by an electronic balance with
0.01 g precision. Total soluble solids (TSS) content was determined
by refractometer (pocket PAL-1 ATAGO Corporation, Tokyo, Japan),
in Brix. Traits such as location of ower bud, petal color, tree habit,
tree vigor, trunk color, canopy density, branch density, branching,
shoot exibility, leaf density, leaf shape, leaf serration shape, leaf
upper surface, leaf lower surface, leaf apex, fruit density, fruit color,
fruit pubescence, fruit taste, fruit esh juicy, stone shell softness,
stone shell color, marking of outer shell, stone shape, kernel shape,
kernel color, kernel shriveling and kernel taste were determined
based on rating and coding according to the apricot descriptor.
Agronomic traits evaluated were included the rst blooming date,
full blooming date (when 80% of owers were open) and ripening
date. The ripening stage was based on assessing fruit rmness and
surface color. Thus, a fruit was considered ripe when it had attained
full size and color development required (intensive orange with
small area of red color) and was very rm to withstand handling,
transport and storage conditions. After harvest, fruits were picked,
covered with dark polyethylene foil, transported in laboratory and
immediately 30 fruits for each genotype were selected to ensure
morphological measures more representative.
2.3. Statistical analysis
The results were statistically evaluated on the basis of 2-year
study. Analysis of variance was performed by SAS software using
one-way ANOVA. The mean, minimum, maximum, standard devi-
ations and coefcient of variation (CV) values were calculated for
the different variables analyzed. Also, for qualitative characteristics,
variation was assessed by distribution of frequency and expressed
in percent. The relationships between the measured attributes
 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102 95

Table 2
The minimum, maximum, and mean values and coefcient of variation for the measured characters among the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes.

No. Character Abbreviation Unit Min Max Mean Max/Min SD CV (%)

1 First blooming data FiBlDa Date 29-Mar 31-Mar

2 Full blooming data FuBlDa Date 07-Apr 10-Apr
3 Location of ower bud LoFlB Code 1 3 2.59 0.81 31.43
4 Petal color PeCo Code 1 3 1.05 0.33 31.33
5 Tree habit TrHa Code 1 9 4.78 2.59 54.27
6 Tree vigor TrVi Code 1 5 2.56 1.42 55.63
7 Trunk color TrCo Code 1 7 4.18 2.58 61.67
8 Trunk diameter TrDi cm 11 51 25.27 4.64 8.80 34.82
9 Canopy density CaDe Code 1 5 3.41 1.91 56.13
10 Branch density BrDe Code 1 5 4.26 1.31 30.82
11 Branching Br Code 1 5 3.71 1.68 45.26
12 Shoot exibility ShoFl Code 1 5 2.92 1.31 44.86
13 Leaf density LDe Code 1 5 3.47 1.36 39.05
14 Leaf shape LSh Code 1 7 2.81 1.77 62.95
15 Leaf serration shape LSeSh Code 1 3 1.82 0.99 54.45
16 Leaf upper surface LUpS Code 1 5 3.00 0.82 27.20
17 Leaf lower surface LLoS Code 1 3 1.19 0.59 49.83
18 Leaf apex LAp Code 1 3 1.33 0.75 56.09
19 Spur leaf length SpLLe mm 39.75 82.17 68.35 2.07 6.72 9.83
20 Spur leaf width SpLWi mm 25.28 56.36 42.21 2.23 5.93 14.04
21 Spur petiole length SpPetLe mm 11.07 24.96 17.94 2.26 3.38 18.82
22 Shoot leaf length ShoLLe mm 32.29 86.54 68.28 2.68 9.64 14.12
23 Shoot leaf width ShoLWi mm 22.76 61.67 41.80 2.71 7.09 16.97
24 Shoot petiole length ShoPetLe mm 9.69 25.87 17.03 2.67 3.88 22.80
25 Fruit density FrDe Code 1 3 2.89 0.46 15.85
26 Harvest date HarDa Date 21-Jun 27-Jun
27 Fruit length FrLe mm 30.39 48.01 43.45 1.58 2.03 4.68
28 Fruit width FrWi mm 27.65 45.86 39.19 1.66 2.34 5.96
29 Fruit thickness FrTh mm 24.63 43.94 34.83 1.78 1.89 5.43
30 Fruit weight FrWe g 33.01 66.01 44.72 2.00 2.91 6.51
31 Fruit esh weight FrFlWe g 31.45 62.43 42.98 1.98 2.96 6.90
32 Fruit color FrCo Code 1 3 1.14 0.51 44.65
33 Fruit pubescence FrPu Code 1 3 1.68 0.96 56.90
34 Fruit taste FrTa Code 1 3 1.11 0.46 41.26
35 Total soluble solid TSS % 15.00 23.00 19.12 1.53 2.49 13.02
36 Fruit esh juicy FrFlJu Code 1.00 3.00 1.14 0.51 44.65
37 Stone length StLe mm 21.19 26.79 22.79 1.26 1.09 4.80
38 Stone width StWi mm 14.44 19.12 16.06 1.32 1.15 7.15
39 Stone thickness StTh mm 9.85 13.37 11.16 1.36 0.66 5.94
40 Stone weight StWe g 1.38 3.67 2.34 2.66 0.25 10.49
41 Stone shell softness StSheSo Code 1 5 3.33 1.70 51.05
42 Stone shell color StSheCo Code 1 5 3.11 1.37 44.05
43 Marking of outer shell MOuShe Code 1 7 4.12 1.56 37.94
44 Stone shape StSh Code 1 5 3.25 1.53 46.95
45 Kernel length KeLe mm 14.49 17.57 15.79 1.21 0.71 4.49
46 Kernel width KeWi mm 8.69 12.40 10.30 1.43 0.76 7.35
47 Kernel thickness KeTh mm 1.94 6.23 3.70 3.21 0.77 20.72
48 Kernel weight KeWe g 0.34 0.82 0.61 2.41 0.13 20.74
49 Kernel shape KeSh Code 1 5 2.70 1.55 57.48
50 Kernel color KeCo Code 1 7 4.84 1.48 30.60
51 Kernel shriveling KrShr Code 1 5 2.59 1.29 49.77
52 Kernel taste KeTa Code 1 3 1.11 0.46 41.26

CV; Coefcient of variation = (Standard deviation/Mean) 100.

were evaluated also by Pearsons product moment correlation using
SPSS statistical software version 16.
The collected data were also analyzed by multivariate analysis
of variance using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster-
ing analysis (CA). PCA was used with factor analysis and Varimax
rotation method together Kaiser Normalization by SPSS to study
patterns of variation in a set of interrelated traits through the
identication of subsets of these traits, called factors, which are
substantially correlated with each other, simultaneously affecting
these traits to a large extent. As a criterion to extract the main
principal components, eigenvalue greater than 1 was taken, and
to determine which of the PC scores accounted for the greatest
amount of variation, the eigenvalues of these components were
compared for each trait. Also, results of PCA were used to construct
two-dimensional scatter plots for graphical overview of the rela-
tionships among genotypes according to the PC1 and PC2 using
PAST statistics software (Hammer et al., 2001). CA was applied
to classify the genotypes into homogenous groups. The UPGMA
(unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) method
as agglomeration rule and the Euclidean distance as a measure of
dissimilarity, were carried out for CA by PAST software program.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. The rst step: pre-selections based on blooming time
The greatest variation among the genotypes was observed
regarding blooming time as one of the most important compo-
nents. The rst blooming data varied from 12 to 31 March, while
full blooming data ranged from 20 March to 10 April. A 20 day varia-
tion in full blooming data was observed among the genotypes. The
difference in blossoming periods of germplasms under the same
96 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102
geographical conditions might be a result of the total exposure tem-
perature required. The full blooming immediately follows the end
of the dormancy period. The end of the dormancy period is deter-
mined from the dry-weight increase of the ower buds (Andres
and Duran 1999), and the onset of apricot blossoming is depen-
dent on the temperature increase after dormancy and is correlated
with air temperature up to the end of March (Blasse and Hofmann
1993). Vachun (2003) reported that the temperatures ranging from
7 to 9 C determined the start of the phenophase beginning of
blossoming.
Late blossoming is an important factor to protect any damage
caused by spring frosts in continental climates (Unal et al., 1999).
Thus, one of the main objectives in the rst phase of the apricot
breeding program, is nding the late-owering types. Frost resis-
tance is a major breeding goal in many production areas owing to
the cultivated apricots very early owering time during late winter
and early spring. The majority of the genotypes were middle-
owering, and 73 genotypes owered 710 April and were late to
very-late owering (Table 2). The possibility of use of these geno-
types with a late to very late owering date as cultivar in orchards or
to develop new cultivars with delayed owering would reduce frost
damage. Also, disease damage is reduced because their owering
is delayed beyond the rainy season, and will allow more efcient
use of increasingly scarce insect pollinators (Rickter 1972). In most
of genotypes, the ower buds were mainly on spurs. Genotypes
with white petal color were dominating with few having light-pink
petals.
3.2. The second step: evaluation of 73 late-owering genotypes
based on vegetative and fruit characteristics
3.2.1. Diversity index
The phenotypic characterization of 73 late-owering apri-
cots showed the presence of signicant differences (P < 0.05)
between the genotypes analyzed. In particular, the highest max-
imum/minimum value ratio variation for quantitative traits was
observed in trunk diameter (4.64). In contrast, the lowest maxi-
mum/minimum ratio was displayed by kernel length (1.21) and
followed by stone length (1.26). The highest coefcient of variation
(CV%) was established for leaf shape (62.95%), with the lowest CV
being evident in kernel length (4.49%). Thirty-one of the characters
reached CV values of higher than 20% (Table 2).
3.2.2. Vegetative characteristics
The second group of characteristics which was used to dis-
tinguish 73 late-owering genotypes, consisted of eight tree
characters and also 12 leaf traits. Different number of categories and
different genotypes frequencies within selected categories were
observed. Considering all of 73 genotypes, upright tree habit was
the highest (29 genotypes, 39.70%), while most of the genotypes
herein had intermediate vigor (33 genotypes, 45.20%). The tree
size and vegetative growth are affected by genetic and ecologi-
cal factors (Asma and Ozturk 2005). Here as well, the main part
of the evaluated genotypes showed high canopy density (42 geno-
types, 57.50%) and branch density (53 genotypes, 72.60%) (Table 3).
In relation to bark color, blackish showed the highest frequent
tendency (31 genotypes, 42.50%). The majority of genotypes (42
genotypes, 57.50%) had intermediate shoot exibility. Leaf shape
was predominantly at and most genotypes showed acute leaf
apex (61 genotypes, 83.60%). The highest mean value for spur leaf
length was determined in Gharekahriz-4 genotype (82.17 mm) and
for spur leaf width in Gharekahriz-46 genotype (56.36 mm). More-
over, the highest mean value for shoot leaf length was observed in
Gharekahriz-54 genotype (86.54 mm) and for shoot leaf width in
Gharekahriz-56 genotype (61.67 mm) (Table 2).
3.2.3. Ripening time and fruit characteristics
Extended ripening season is a choice of interest in apricot breed-
ing programs. The studied 73 genotypes showed to be divergent in
terms of ripening season. In the studied agro-ecological zone, geno-
types were averagely harvested between 21 and 27 June. Ruml et al.
(2010) indicated that the effect of growing degree-day thresholds
on harvest time of apricots is very important for each apricot-
producing region. The period of fruit development (full blossoming
dateharvest date) was differed depending on the genotype.
The main objectives in the second phase of the apricot breeding
programs are to improve yield and fruit characteristics such as size,
shape, color and taste. The average fruit length of the selected geno-
types ranged from 30.39 to 48.01 mm, and fruit width varied from
27.65 to 45.86 mm. Fruit weight ranged between 33.01 and 66.01 g
and fruit esh weight between 31.45 and 62.43 g. The average stone
length ranged from 21.19 to 26.79 mm, and stone width varied from
14.44 to 19.12 mm. Stone weight ranged between 1.38 and 3.67 g,
while stone thickness between 9.85 and 13.37 mm (Table 2).
The TSS content is an important quality attribute, inuencing
notably the fruit taste. The level of TSS varied from 15.00 to 23.00%.
Kernel length ranged from 14.49 to 17.57 mm and kernel width var-
ied from 8.69 to 12.40 mm, while kernel weight ranged between
0.34 and 0.82 g (Table 2). The fruit color is an important indica-
tor for fruit ripeness and harvest date of some fruits. Besides, the
cultivars with different fruit peel color can be satisfying various
consumer preferences (Caliskan and Polat, 2011). Considering all
of 73 genotypes, yellow fruit skin color was the highest (68 geno-
types, 93.20%), while fruit skin surface in most of the genotypes
herein had low pubescence (48 genotypes, 65.80%). Fruit and kernel
tastes were predominantly sweet (69 genotypes, 94.50% for both
characters) (Table 3). Recently, sweet kernels of apricots have been
used for direct consumption as a snack food like almond. Similarly,
the bitter kernels are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics
industries (Yilmaz et al., 2012). Adherence of stones to fruit esh
fruits was not observed, in accordance with ndings of Yilmaz et al.
(2012).
Fruit quality is fundamental for the acceptance of apricot cul-
tivars by consumers, especially due to high competition in the
markets with the presence of new cultivars, other fruits and foods
(Ruiz and Egea, 2008). Abbott (1999) reported that quality is a
human concept that includes sensory properties (appearance, tex-
ture, taste and aroma), nutritional values, chemical compounds,
mechanical and functional properties. In this sense, new apricot
cultivars must be characterized by fruit quality attributes that
satisfy the consumers. Sensorial properties for apricot fruits are
inuenced principally by the sugars, organic acids, and volatile
compound contents, color, size, texture (Ruiz and Egea, 2008), rm-
ness, attractiveness, and taste (Bassi et al., 1996; Gurrieri et al.,
2001).
3.2.4. Correlations among characters
Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the strength
of the relationship between traits. Interesting correlations were
discovered between the studied variables (Table 4). First bloom-
ing data was highly positively correlated with full blooming data
(r = 0.80) and in agreement with nding of Badanes et al. (1998)
who reported there was a high correlation (r = 0.87) between these
two traits. Blooming times had no correlation with ripening time, in
accordance with nding of Asma and Ozturk (2005). Tree vigor was
positively correlated with trunk diameter (r = 0.80), canopy density
(r = 0.27) and leaf density (r = 0.34). Leaf characters showed positive
correlations with each other. Moderate levels of positive correla-
tions were found between the fruit and tree vegetative variables:
fruit length with tree vigor (r = 0.46), trunk diameter (r = 0.34),
leaf density (r = 0.32), and spur leaf length (r = 0.24), as well as
fruit width with tree vigor (r = 0.40), trunk diameter (r = 0.31), leaf
 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102 97

Table 3
Frequency distribution for the measured qualitative traits in the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes.

Code

Qualitative trait 1 3 5 7 9

Location of ower bud Frequency 15 58

Percent (%) 20.50 79.50
Petal color Frequency 71 2
Percent (%) 97.30 2.70
Tree habit Frequency 13 21 5 29 5
Percent (%) 17.80 28.80 6.80 39.70 6.80
Tree vigor Frequency 28 33 12
Percent (%) 38.40 45.20 16.40
Trunk color Frequency 20 21 1 31
Percent (%) 27.40 28.80 1.40 42.50
Canopy density Frequency 27 4 42
Percent (%) 37.00 5.50 57.50
Branch density Frequency 7 13 53
Percent (%) 9.60 17.80 72.60
Branching Frequency 17 13 43
Percent (%) 23.30 17.80 58.90
Shoot exibility Frequency 17 42 14
Percent (%) 23.30 57.50 19.20
Leaf density Frequency 10 36 27
Percent (%) 13.70 49.30 37.00
Leaf shape Frequency 28 28 13 4
Percent (%) 38.40 38.40 17.80 5.50
Leaf serration shape Frequency 43 30
Percent (%) 58.90 41.10
Leaf upper surface Frequency 6 61 6
Percent (%) 8.20 83.60 8.20
Leaf lower surface Frequency 66 7
Percent (%) 90.40 9.60
Leaf apex Frequency 61 12
Percent (%) 83.60 16.40
Fruit density Frequency 4 69
Percent (%) 5.50 94.50
Harvest date Frequency 53 9 11
Percent (%) 72.60 12.30 15.10
Fruit color Frequency 68 5
Percent (%) 93.20 6.80
Fruit pubescence Frequency 48 25
Percent (%) 65.80 34.20
Fruit taste Frequency 69 4
Percent (%) 94.50 5.50
Fruit esh juicy Frequency 68 5
Percent (%) 93.20 6.80
Stone shell softness Frequency 21 19 33
Percent (%) 28.80 26.00 45.20
Stone shell color Frequency 15 39 19
Percent (%) 20.50 53.40 26.00
Marking of outer shell Frequency 4 33 27 9
Percent (%) 5.50 45.20 37.00 12.30
Stone shape Frequency 17 30 26
Percent (%) 23.30 41.10 35.60
Kernel shape Frequency 28 28 17
Percent (%) 38.40 38.40 23.30
Kernel color Frequency 5 8 48 12
Percent (%) 6.80 11.00 65.80 16.40
Kernel shriveling Frequency 24 40 9
Percent (%) 32.90 54.80 12.30
Kernel taste Frequency 69 4
Percent (%) 94.50 5.50

density (r = 0.30) and spur leaf length (r = 0.29) and also fruit weight
with tree vigor (r = 0.45), trunk diameter (r = 0.31), and leaf den-
sity (r = 0.27). Variables related sizes of fruit, stone and kernel were
highly positively correlated. Fruit weight was positively correlated
with fruit length (r = 0.72), fruit width (r = 0.60), fruit thickness
(r = 0.37), fruit esh weight (r = 0.94), stone length (r = 0.45), stone
width (r = 0.54), stone weight (r = 0.36), kernel length (r = 0.48),
kernel width (r = 0.42) and kernel thickness (r = 0.42). Negative
correlations were noted between fruit weight and fruit density
(r = 0.24). There were no correlations between TSS and traits
related to fruit, in accordance with ndings of other studies in
apricot (Badanes et al., 1998; Asma and Ozturk, 2005).
3.2.5. Multivariate analyses
PCA is a way of identifying patterns in data, and expressing
the data in such a way as to highlight their similarities and differ-
ences (Mohammadi and Prasanna, 2003). PCA was used to establish
the relationships among genotypes, and to analyze the correla-
tions between phenotypic traits in relationship with the tendency
of genotypes. In addition, PCA helped to provide much number of
the variance and discriminating characters for the variability with
a minimum of factors. The analysis was conducted to explain the
signicant variability and to reduce variables that are highly corre-
lated. It has been used previously to establish genetic relationships
among genotypes and to study correlations among fruit traits, tree
 98
Table 4
Pearson correlation coefcients among the measured characters in the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes.

A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102

For explanation of variable symbols, see Table 2.
*Correlation is signicant at the 0.05 level.
**Correlation is signicant at the 0.01 level.
 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102 99

Table 5
Eigenvalues and proportion of total variability among the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes as explained by the 17 principal components from PCA.

Component

Character 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

FiBlDa 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.08
FuBlDa 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.08
LoFlB 0.02 0.05 0.10 0.13 0.27 0.11 0.24 0.45 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.00 0.39 0.09 0.30 0.11 0.20
PeCo 0.01 0.13 0.12 0.25 0.20 0.02 0.12 0.09 0.67** 0.11 0.15 0.17 0.06 0.02 0.07 0.13 0.06
TrHa 0.13 0.21 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.02 0.01 0.14 0.12 0.09 0.03 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.82** 0.01 0.05
TrVi 0.31 0.03 0.24 0.01 0.21 0.24 0.76** 0.05 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.07 0.07 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.07
TrCo 0.02 0.13 0.11 0.02 0.12 0.06 0.19 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.09 0.03 0.70** 0.06 0.09 0.01 0.03
TrDi 0.31 0.02 0.06 0.16 0.06 0.07 0.81** 0.06 0.03 0.09 0.05 0.02 0.07 0.08 0.05 0.07 0.01
CaDe 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.04 0.83** 0.10 0.15 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.13 0.01 0.07 0.07 0.01
BrDe 0.10 0.05 0.11 0.24 0.45 0.22 0.11 0.06 0.19 0.21 0.33 0.11 0.15 0.20 0.02 0.35 0.09
Br 0.09 0.04 0.23 0.21 0.35 0.02 0.07 0.11 0.13 0.05 0.44 0.13 0.22 0.01 0.12 0.28 0.44
ShoFl 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.37 0.16 0.29 0.11 0.13 0.29 0.00 0.19 0.32 0.15 0.13 0.21 0.06 0.04
LDe 0.16 0.06 0.35 0.26 0.40 0.25 0.03 0.11 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.24 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.30 0.15
LSh 0.08 0.16 0.28 0.21 0.12 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.11 0.05 0.60** 0.28 0.26 0.07 0.03 0.02 0.25
LSeSh 0.05 0.19 0.12 0.02 0.15 0.04 0.22 0.05 0.10 0.41 0.05 0.27 0.02 0.07 0.28 0.14 0.07
LUpS 0.09 0.03 0.04 0.14 0.06 0.01 0.08 0.76** 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.00 0.06 0.03 0.07 0.18 0.20
LLoS 0.04 0.16 0.30 0.15 0.11 0.04 0.06 0.72** 0.01 0.15 0.03 0.07 0.11 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.00
LAp 0.01 0.01 0.24 0.05 0.46 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.14 0.19 0.13 0.38 0.42 0.05 0.11 0.09
SpLLe 0.18 0.74** 0.17 0.01 0.17 0.11 0.01 0.03 0.14 0.07 0.12 0.11 0.13 0.00 0.19 0.02 0.23
SpLWi 0.06 0.81** 0.09 0.09 0.29 0.01 0.06 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.07 0.03 0.08 0.05 0.01 0.04
SpPetLe 0.15 0.58** 0.03 0.11 0.31 0.16 0.27 0.04 0.15 0.30 0.20 0.26 0.19 0.02 0.09 0.19 0.03
ShoLLe 0.06 0.84** 0.09 0.01 0.33 0.03 0.11 0.08 0.00 0.09 0.03 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.01
ShoLWi 0.01 0.85** 0.03 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.15 0.12 0.03 0.16 0.13 0.05 0.17 0.01 0.01 0.13 0.01
ShoPetLe 0.08 0.83** 0.03 0.08 0.17 0.00 0.20 0.11 0.01 0.12 0.00 0.09 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.06 0.15
FrDe 0.24 0.07 0.10 0.11 0.06 0.20 0.14 0.15 0.10 0.03 0.21 0.11 0.56** 0.30 0.05 0.01 0.09
HarDa 0.03 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.13 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.16 0.75** 0.14 0.05 0.13 0.02 0.07 0.15 0.03
FrLe 0.76** 0.05 0.50 0.07 0.00 0.10 0.13 0.08 0.04 0.07 0.01 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.11 0.18 0.02
FrWi 0.67** 0.06 0.52 0.08 0.01 0.16 0.13 0.04 0.16 0.09 0.09 0.01 0.03 0.10 0.03 0.14 0.14
FrTh 0.50 0.05 0.30 0.10 0.06 0.41 0.02 0.23 0.35 0.13 0.02 0.15 0.11 0.27 0.04 0.08 0.15
FrWe 0.46 0.04 0.75** 0.13 0.07 0.01 0.14 0.17 0.06 0.04 0.01 0.05 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.01 0.05
FrFlWe 0.18 0.01 0.84** 0.15 0.10 0.11 0.09 0.17 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.05 0.10 0.10 0.00 0.03 0.09
FrCo 0.07 0.04 0.12 0.07 0.01 0.04 0.03 0.22 0.04 0.04 0.08 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.87** 0.06
FrPu 0.11 0.07 0.09 0.13 0.43 0.10 0.41 0.41 0.09 0.01 0.14 0.08 0.05 0.02 0.06 0.06 0.07
FrTa 0.05 0.01 0.09 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.00 0.14 0.81** 0.06 0.07 0.00
TSS 0.08 0.06 0.16 0.28 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.14 0.10 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.07 0.05 0.09 0.76**
FrFlJu 0.01 0.01 0.13 0.04 0.09 0.06 0.13 0.00 0.75** 0.01 0.12 0.18 0.03 0.08 0.09 0.22 0.01
StLe 0.84** 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.08 0.20 0.17 0.21 0.03 0.03 0.21 0.01 0.06 0.09 0.02 0.00
StWi 0.83** 0.08 0.15 0.02 0.12 0.21 0.19 0.03 0.20 0.03 0.11 0.14 0.04 0.05 0.13 0.02 0.05
StTh 0.45 0.05 0.10 0.11 0.11 0.64** 0.09 0.08 0.09 0.19 0.16 0.21 0.05 0.11 0.15 0.04 0.03
StWe 0.87** 0.08 0.10 0.04 0.06 0.26 0.17 0.03 0.01 0.06 0.02 0.00 0.06 0.03 0.11 0.04 0.12
StSheSo 0.08 0.15 0.13 0.21 0.14 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.49 0.28 0.07 0.08 0.31 0.05 0.12 0.22 0.05
StSheCo 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.23 0.02 0.13 0.01 0.20 0.07 0.16 0.07 0.00 0.01 0.55** 0.48 0.22 0.03
MOuShe 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.12 0.81** 0.28 0.09 0.05 0.05 0.09 0.13 0.23 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.01
StSh 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.25 0.06 0.09 0.08 0.14 0.69** 0.17 0.08 0.11 0.07 0.29 0.19 0.02
KeLe 0.70** 0.01 0.18 0.05 0.10 0.29 0.30 0.09 0.01 0.05 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.11 0.10 0.02
KeWi 0.92** 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.03 0.13 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.01 0.02 0.15 0.05 0.00 0.08 0.07 0.01
KeTh 0.83** 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.16 0.09 0.11 0.03 0.09
KeWe 0.59** 0.06 0.17 0.06 0.08 0.53 0.09 0.14 0.21 0.10 0.02 0.23 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.05 0.05
KeSh 0.03 0.06 0.17 0.07 0.09 0.14 0.04 0.05 0.09 0.02 0.80** 0.24 0.05 0.17 0.04 0.10 0.01
KeCo 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.08 0.12 0.27 0.19 0.03 0.00 0.08 0.24 0.23 0.13 0.24 0.34 0.03 0.37
KrShr 0.03 0.02 0.47 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.18 0.20 0.15 0.43 0.17 0.22 0.00 0.08 0.03 0.03 0.41
KeTa 0.02 0.06 0.07 0.11 0.13 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.09 0.03 0.06 0.87** 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.05
Total 6.72 3.99 2.96 2.70 2.40 2.39 2.30 2.00 1.92 1.87 1.82 1.72 1.71 1.58 1.57 1.52 1.47
% of Variance 12.92 7.68 5.69 5.19 4.62 4.59 4.42 3.85 3.70 3.59 3.50 3.30 3.28 3.04 3.02 2.92 2.83
Cumulative% 12.92 20.60 26.29 31.48 36.10 40.69 45.10 48.96 52.65 56.24 59.74 63.04 66.32 69.36 72.38 75.30 78.12

Eigenvalues 0.55 are signicant.

and phenological characteristics within sets of apricot genotypes
(Badanes et al., 1998; Gurrieri et al., 2001; Azodanlou et al., 2003;
Ruiz and Egea, 2008; Mratinic et al., 2011). The PCA used showed
that 78.12% of the variability observed was explained by the rst 17
components (Table 5). PC1, PC2 and PC3 accounted for 12.92, 7.68
and 5.69% of the variability, respectively (26.29% in total). The rst
PC (PC1), which is the most important component, was positively
related to fruit length, fruit width, stone length, stone width, stone
weight, kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness and kernel
weight. Moreover, the characters with the greatest weight on PC2,
were spur leaf length, spur leaf width, spur petiole length, shoot leaf
length, shoot leaf width and shoot petiole length. The PC3 was pos-
itively related to fruit weight and fruit esh weight. This situation
conrms the suitability of using pomology as a basis for select-
ing the superior genotypes. The PC analysis provided a simplied
classication of the apricot genotypes for collecting and breeding.
The bi-plot axes, created based on PC1 and PC2, also showed geo-
metrical distances among the genotypes that reected similarity
among them in terms of variables measured. The rst two principal
component scores (PC1 and PC2) were plotted to aid visualization
of genotypes grouping. Genotypes were distributed into four sides
of plot (Fig. 1). Cluster analysis classied genotypes into two major
clusters and further in clusters according to their potential charac-
teristics. The rst cluster contained 35 genotypes and was divided
to three sub-clusters. Furthermore, the second cluster consisted
of 38 genotypes and formed by three sub-clusters. The derived
100 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102

Similarity

-200

-180

-160

-140

-120

-100

-80

-60

-40

-20
0
Gharekahriz-42
Gharekahriz-41
Gharekahriz-38
Gharekahriz-58
Gharekahriz-20
Gharekahriz-59
Gharekahriz-65
Gharekahriz-69
8

Gharekahriz-26
Gharekahriz-71
Gharekahriz-23
Gharekahriz-21
Gharekahriz-24
Gharekahriz-70
Gharekahriz-11
Gharekahriz-17
16

Gharekahriz-35
Gharekahriz-29
Gharekahriz-37
Gharekahriz-7
Gharekahriz-14
Gharekahriz-28
Gharekahriz-63
Gharekahriz-57
24

Gharekahriz-16
Gharekahriz-18
Gharekahriz-51
Gharekahriz-67
Gharekahriz-50
Gharekahriz-40
Gharekahriz-45
Gharekahriz-62
32

Gharekahriz-44
Gharekahriz-25
Gharekahriz-32
Gharekahriz-27
Gharekahriz-66
Gharekahriz-33
Gharekahriz-19
Gharekahriz-43
40

Gharekahriz-48
Gharekahriz-10
Gharekahriz-64
Gharekahriz-34
Gharekahriz-36
Gharekahriz-72
Gharekahriz-52
Gharekahriz-6
48

Gharekahriz-60
Gharekahriz-39
Gharekahriz-9
Gharekahriz-49
Gharekahriz-8
Gharekahriz-31
Gharekahriz-68
Gharekahriz-22
56

Gharekahriz-5
Gharekahriz-12
Gharekahriz-1
Gharekahriz-2
Gharekahriz-3
Gharekahriz-61
Gharekahriz-73
Gharekahriz-54
64

Gharekahriz-56
Gharekahriz-15
Gharekahriz-53
Gharekahriz-47
Gharekahriz-46
Gharekahriz-4
Gharekahriz-13
Gharekahriz-30
72

Gharekahriz-55

Fig. 1. Dendrogram of the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes obtained by UPMGA cluster analysis and Euclidean distance based on morphological traits.
 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102 101

30
15 55
5
46
16
18 57 52 12
10
44 43
45 25 49
32 60 6 13
42 28
7
51 531 72
68
67 62 63 ShoLLe
36 ShoPetLe
50 14 10 9
FiBlDa
FuBlDa
48 34 ShoLWi
TSS
StShe
LoFlB
KeTa
FrDe
PeCo
LSh
LLoS
KeSh
LUpS
FrCo
FrFlJu
KeWe
SpPetLe
Co 47 54 4
-60 -50 -40 -30 40
-20 -10 59 ShoFl
FrTa
LAp
LSeSh
StSheSo
StWe
Br
StSh
FrFlWe
BrDe
StTh
KeCo
KeWi
KeTh 3910 SpLLe 20
22 KrShr
64HarDa
LDe
FrWe
KeLe
FrPu
CaDeTrCo
MOuShe 61
SpLWi
TrHaStLe
StWi
FrTh 8
70 26 FrLe
FrWi
20 2 3
58 -5 TrVi
PC2

24 38 56
65 1553 73
69 1
35 11
23 71 -10
2937
17
21

-15

41
66
-20 27 19

-25
33

TrDi
-30

PC1

Fig. 2. Scatter plot of PC1/PC2 plane showing the relationships between the studied 73 late-owering apricot genotypes.

clusters and sub-clusters were similar to those identied from bi-
plot (Fig. 2).
It can be intended for further utilization for introducing the mea-
sured traits in desired genotypes. Identication and description of
the genetic variability available in the genotypes of Prunus sp. are
preliminary requirements for the exploitation of useful traits in
plant breeding. The dissimilarity level in terms of genetic distance
ranged from 1.02 to 8.11, indicating a high degree of dissimilarity
among genotypes and high genetic distance between genotypes
and if chosen for hybridization program, may give high heterotic
F1s and broad spectrum of variability in segregating generations.
Similar results also reported in apricot by Mratinic et al. (2011).
4. Conclusions
This present study was undertaken to determine some pheno-
logical and pomological characteristics of an apricot germplasm.
It has been determined that apricot germplasm from this group
showed a wide variation in most of traits. The 73 late-blooming
apricot genotypes were selected in the studied germplasm. All of
the 73 late-blooming genotypes could be utilized to begin crossing
and breeding programs which may results in increased in desired
traits. Some genotypes produced suitable fruits size and a high
mesocarp percentage, as well as high content of total soluble solids.
The nine genotypes including Gharekahriz-69, Gharekahriz-65,
Gharekahriz-13, Gharekahriz-47, Gharekahriz-59, Gharekahriz-34,
Gharekahriz-17, Gharekahriz-58 and Gharekahriz-38 were supe-
rior in terms of fruit yield and attributes related to fruit quality.
Information revealed here may be useful for breeding studies to
improve owering date, fruit quality and nutritional contents of
apricot cultivars.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank Arak University in Iran for its
nancial support.
References
Abbott, J.A., 1999. Quality measurement of fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Biol.
Technol. 15, 207225.
Andres, V.M., Duran, M.J., 1999. Cold and heat requirements of the apricot tree
(Prunus armeniaca L.). J. Hortic. Sci. Biotechnol. 74, 757761.
Asma, B.M., Ozturk, K., 2005. Analysis of morphological, pomological and yield
characteristics of some apricot germplasm in Turkey. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol.
52, 305313.
Asma, B.M., Kan, T., Birhanli, O., 2007. Characterization of promising apricot
(Prunus armeniaca L.) genetic resources in Malatya, Turkey. Genet. Resour. Crop
Evol. 54, 205212.
Azodanlou, R., Darbellay, C., Luisier, J.L., Villettaz, J.C., Amad, R., 2003.
Development of a model for quality assessment of tomatoes and apricots. Food
Sci. Technol. 36, 223233.
Badanes, M.L., Martinez-Calvo, J., Llacer, G., 1998. Analysis of apricot germplasm
from the European ecogeographical group. Euphytica 102, 9399.
Bailey, C.H., Hough, L.F., 1975. Apricot. In: Janick, J., Moore, J.N. (Eds.), Advances in
Fruit Breeding. Purdue University Press, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States,
pp. 367383.
Balta, F., Kaya, T., Yarlgac, T., Kazankaya, A., Balta, M.F., Koyuncu, M.A., 2002.
Promising apricot genetic resources from the Lake Van Region. Genet. Resour.
Crop Evol. 49, 409413.
Bassi, D., Bartolozzi, F., Muzzi, E., 1996. Patterns and heritability of carboxylic acids
and soluble sugars in fruits of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). Plant Breed 115,
6770.
Blasse, W., Hofmann, S., 1993. Phanologische untersuchungen an sorten von
paume, prsich und apricose (Phenological investigations to varieties of
plum, peach and apricot). Erwerbs-Obstbau 35, 3639.
Caliskan, O., Polat, A.A., 2011. Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of
selected g (Ficus carica L.) accessions from the eastern Mediterranean region
of Turkey. Sci. Hortic. 128 (4), 473478.
de Oliveira, E.J., Dias, N.L.P., Dantas, J.L.L., 2012. Selection of morpho-agronomic
descriptors for characterization of papaya cultivars. Euphytica 185, 253265.
Engels, J.M.M., Bartley, B.G.D., Enriquez, G.A., 1980. Cacao descriptors, their stage
and modus operandi. Turrialba 30, 209218.
FAO, 2012. FAOSTAT production crops. http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/default.
aspx#ancor.
Furones-Prez, P., Fernndez-Lpez, J., 2009. Morphological and phonological
description of 38 sweet chestnut cultivars (Castanea sativa Miller) in a
contemporary collection. Span. J. Agric. Res., 829843.
Guerriero, R., Watkins, R., 1984. Revised Descriptor List For Apricot (Prunus
armeniaca). IBPGR Secretariat, Rome,CEC Secretariat, Brussels. pp. 133.
Gurrieri, F., Audergon, J.M., Albagnac, G., Reich, M., 2001. Soluble sugars and
carboxylic acids in ripe apricot fruit as parameters for distinguishing different
cultivars. Euphytica 117, 183189.
Hammer, ., Harper, D.A.T., Ryan, P.D., 2001. PAST: Paleontological Statistics
Software Package for Education and Data Analysis. Palaeontologia Electronica.,
pp. 9, 4 (1) http://palaeoelectronica.org/2001 1/past/issue1 01.htm.
Hormaza, J.I., 2002. Molecular characterization and similarity relationships among
apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes using simple sequence repeats. Theor.
Appl. Genet. 104, 321328.
102 A. Khadivi-Khub, Z. Khalili / Scientia Horticulturae 216 (2017) 93102
Kostina, K.F., 1969. The use of varietal resources of apricots for breeding. Trud.
Nikit. Bot. Sad. 40, 4563.
Mehmood, A., Jaskani, M.J., Khan, I.A., Ahmad, S., Ahmad, R., Luo, S., Ahmad, N.M.,
2014. Genetic diversity of Pakistani guava (Psidium guajava L.) germplasm and
its implications for conservation and breeding. Sci. Hortic. 172, 221232.
Milosevic, T., Milosevic, N., Glisic, I., Krska, B., 2010. Characteristics of promising
apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genetic resources in Central Serbia based on
blossoming period and fruit quality. Hortic. Sci. (Prague) 37, 4655.
Mohammadi, S.A., Prasanna, B.M., 2003. Analysis of genetic diversity in crop
plantssalient statistical tools and considerations. Crop Sci. 43, 12351248.
Mratinic, E., Popovski, B., Milosevic, T., Popovska, M., 2011. Analysis of
morphological and pomological characteristics of apricot germplasm in FYR
Macedonia. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. 13, 11211134.
Perez-Gonzales, S., 1992. Associations among morphological and phenological
characters representing apricot germplasm in Central Mexico. J. Am. Soc.
Hortic. Sci. 117, 486490.
Rickter, A.A., 1972. Lamandier. Academie Sciences Agricoles, Jardin Botanique de
Nikits, Yalta.
Ruiz, D., Egea, J., 2008. Phenotypic diversity and relationships of fruit quality traits
in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm. Euphytica 163, 143158.
Ruml, M., Vukovic, A., Milatovic,
D., 2010. Evaluation of different methods for
determining growing degree-day thresholds in apricot cultivars. Int. J.
Biometerol. 54, 411422.
UPOV, 1995. Guidelines for the conduct of tests for distinctness, uniformity and
stability. TG/35/6.
Unal, M.S., Sahin, M., Olmez, H., Celik, B., Asma, B.M., Bas, M., 1999. The Breeding of
Late Flowering and Resistance to Late Spring Frosts Apricots through Crossing
(First Phase). Tagem/IY/960602014, Fruit Research Institute, Malatya.
Vachun, Z., 2003. Phenophases of blossoming and picking maturity and their
relationships in twenty apricot genotypes for a period of six years. Hortic. Sci.
30, 4350.
Yilmaz, K.U., Paydas Kargi, S., Kafkas, S., 2012. Morphological diversity of the
Turkish apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm in the Irano-Caucasian
ecogeographical group. Turk. J. Agric. For. 36, 688694.