Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca: Horticulture (Nov 2024)

Phenotypic Traits for Cherry Varieties at UASVM Cluj-Napoca

  • Catalina DAN,
  • Adriana SESTRAS,
  • Flavia-Andreea ANDRECAN,
  • Orsolya BORSAI,
  • Irina M. MORAR,
  • Alina M. TRUTA,
  • Mădălina MILITARU,
  • Radu E. SESTRAS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15835/buasvmcn-hort:2024.0030
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 81, no. 2
pp. 26 – 34

Abstract

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Cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a species appreciated by consumers for the taste of the fruit and spread among producers due to the profitability of the orchards. In Transylvania, there are several varieties that are well known and appreciated for the adaptability to the eco-climatic conditions, but a general overview and a comprehensive description of them is still lacking. The aim of the study was to establish phenotypic profiles for the important varieties found at UASVM Cluj-Napoca, which are to be completed in time, including also genetic mapping and biochemical descriptors. Correlating these with ecological data, and part of a research project, the study aims in the end at elaborating a general data base for the fruit tree genotypes. The characteristics of the leaf, flowers and fruit were investigated, following UPOV guidelines and data from the scientific literature. The first data were put together regarding the flowering (with the specific offset for the early-late varieties in the collection), followed by fruiting. Flowering was obviously staggered between the studied cultivars, but all were affected by the atypical spring of 2024, with very high temperatures and little precipitation. Thus, it can be concluded that flowering was abundant in all cultivars, with longer lasting flowers (petal shedding was delayed by 3-5 days compared to typical cultivars). Fruits were harvested at full maturity (proper for consumption), at different times- specific to the varieties in the collection (May-June 2024), and determinations show significant differences for fruit set, health status, weight and diameter of fruit. It is of great value to offer complete and specific information to producers about the varieties of interest in different areas. Thus, the need of a comprehensive data base for fruit tree is taken into consideration and investigations are in progress, as evaluating genetic diversity of morpho-physiological traits in sweet cherry cultivars is of current interest.

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