Segregation of apricot accessions on the basis of fruit quality attributes / Segregação de genótipos de damasco na base das características quantitativas do fruto

The objective of this study was to characterize the European apricot germplasm that was collected in Cacak and Smederevo region, Central Serbia. Fifteen physical, chemical and sensorial traits were investigated in this germplasm consisting 14 accessions during a two year period. High variations were recorded in fruit weight, soluble solids content, ripening index, index of sweetness and total mineral mater, whereas variations in stone weight, titratable acidity and total sugars were smaller. Most of the accessions had large fruits with weight ≥60 g; two accessions had a fruit weight ≥80 g. Generally, fruits had a good aroma, firm flesh, orange and yellow flesh and skin color, respectively, and sweet kernel taste. High correlations were found between some evaluated properties. The accessions were grouped into four clusters according to their potential. Using a principal component analysis, accessions were segregated into groups with similar physical, chemical and sensorial properties. These relationships may help in selection of a set of accessions with better fruit quality performances, which, in our study, were found in T-1, T-2, T-10, T-13 and T-14.

Morphogenic variability of some autochthonous plum cultivars in western Serbia

A study conducted over a period of two years in a Western Serbian valley included in situ identification of autochthonous plum cultivars. Observation and recording of their phenological and pomological traits were performed using IBPGR and UPOV methodologies. Fifteen cultivars derived from Prunus domestica L. and two cultivars derived from P. insititia L. were identified. Flowering started between 24 March and 7 April and fruit ripening between 12 July (Petrovača) and 16 September (Trnovača). Fruit weight ranged from 6.79± 0.018 to 36.62± 0.251 g and stone weight from 0.14± 0.002 to 1.95± 0.023 g. The cultivars were classified as being extremely small in terms of fruit size. Rounded fruit shape and light-yellow ground colour were dominant. Skin colour ranged from amber to black. Yellow green was a dominant flesh colour and medium flesh firmness predominated. The fruits of the above cultivars could be processed, particularly into plum brandy, or they could be used fresh or dried. The selected plum cultivars can be used both in breeding programmes and as rootstocks as well as in further disease-related systematic studies under field and laboratory conditions.

Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch. ) yiel das affected by the soil pH

Two-year trials (20062007) suggested that the use of calcium oxide (CaO) on acid soils increased soil pH and yields in strawberry cultivars Marmolada, Selena and Senga Sengana, under the environmental conditions of Cacak (Western Serbia). The highest yield was obtained when CaO was applied at 750 kg ha-1 rate. Further increase in rate up to 1,500 kg ha-1 did not show corresponding increase in yield; the result was a slight yield drop compared to the peak yield shown at 750 kg ha¹ rate. Overall, yields at rates above 750 kg ha¹ were still higher than control and in the treatment employing lowest CaO application rate of 250 kg ha-1.

Dois anos de ensaios (2006-2007) sugeriram que o uso deóxido cálcio (CaO) em solos ácidos aumentou o pH do soloe o rendimento das cultivares de morango, Marmolada, Selena e Senga Sengana, sob as condições ambientais de Cacak (oeste da Sérvia). O rendimento mais elevado foi obtido quando CaO foi aplicado na quantidade de 750 kg ha-1. O aumento da quantidade para nível até 1500 kg ha-1 não mostrouaumento correspondente do rendimento; o resultado foi umaligeira queda em comparação com o rendimento máximo obtidoa 750 kg ha¹. Globalmente, os resultados a taxas superiores a 750 kg ha¹ foram ainda mais elevados do que no controle e no tratamento empregando quantidade mais baixa de 250 kg ha-1 de CaO.