ISHS Acta Horticulturae 717: XIII International Symposium on Apricot Breeding and Culture
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE ON COLOUR DEVELOPMENT OF TWO APRICOT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA) CULTIVARS |
| Author: | H. Ham |
| Keywords: | pomology, cold units, cold storage, post-harvest, breeding |
| Abstract:
The apricot industry of South Africa caters for drying, canning and fresh consumption. The objectives for the three industries differ, resulting in the breeding of three different product ranges. The biggest constraint in breeding apricots for fresh consumption is cold-storage ability (4 weeks at -0.5°C and 7 days at 10°C). In order to stay competitive, cultivars need to develop red blush, orange flesh colour, high sugars, good taste and size (>50 mm). Within the apricot production areas in South Africa, climate variations occur and apricot pomological attributes were observed to differ between climatic regions. Two apricot cultivars were tested for the effect of climate on colour development at two evaluation sites (Bien Donné and Citrusdal). Pomological data (fruit size, flesh colour, sugar, taste, etc.), colour development (L, a and b values) before and after cold storage as well as climatic data were compared. Cultivars A and B did not differ significantly between the two sampling sites at harvest and after cold storage. Recommendations for further studies are made. | |
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