Growth and Yield Characteristics of Some Selected Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) Cultivars and Promising Genotypes
Summary
The variety of commercial cultivars in the quince species is less than other pome fruit trees, therefore it is necessary to compare quince cultivars and genotypes and select the most favorable ones for different regions, as well as evaluate promising quince genotypes in order to introduce new cultivars. In order to investigate some morphological and biochemical traits of Isfahan, Behta, and Viduja cultivars and KVD2, NB1, and NB4 the promising genotypes in the climatic conditions of Isfahan, Iran, this research was carried out in a randomized complete block design in 2020 and 2021. The highest tree height and canopy width belonged to Behta cultivar. Viduja cultivar had the lowest trunk cross-sectional area and tree height. The highest fruit weight was shown by NB4 genotype (average 218.4 g), followed by Behta and Isfahan. Despite having the lowest fruit weight, the Viduja cultivar had the highest yield and yield efficiency with averages of 29.8 kg tree-1 and 0.42 kg/cm2 , respectively. Behta cultivar and NB4 genotype had the highest yield after Viduja. NB1 genotype showed the lowest yield, yield efficiency and the highest content of pectin. There was a correlation between phenol content and antioxidant capacity, so that KVD2 genotype and Isfahan cultivar had the highest total phenol content and antioxidant capacity. The lowest phenol content and antioxidant capacity were recorded for NB1 genotype. The highest and the lowest fruit firmness belonged to Behta and Viduja cultivars, with the averages of 4.35 and 3.71 kg/cm2 , respectively. Viduja and Isfahan cultivars had the highest taste index, and KVD2 and NB1 genotypes had the lowest values of this trait. Among the three investigated genotypes, the NB4 genotype is considered as a promising genotype due to its large fruit and optimal yield and yield efficiency, and it is recommended for cultivation along with the three investigated cultivars.
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