Phenotypic diversity among apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars growing in west central Tunisia

Abstract

Purpose: Apricot production extends from the north to the south of Tunisia with many cultivars adapted to different local microclimates. This large extension of apricot is associated with an important genetic diversity, which is threatened to erosion. This study aims to select cultivars with enhanced antioxidant capacity that will benefit consumers with health-promoting properties. Research Method: This study was conducted over three growing seasons (2016-2018) in flesh fruits nine apricot cultivars (‘Amor Leuch’, ‘Bakour’, ‘Búlida’, ‘Bayoudhi’, ‘Canino’, ‘Khit eloued’, ‘Khad hlima’, ‘Sayeb’ and ‘Wardi’). The experiment was established in private apricot orchard in the region of Hajeb Laayoun- Kairouan, west central Tunisia. Findings: Results showed that the fruit firmness ranged from 20.4 N in the cultivar ‘Sayeb’ to 32.5 N in the cultivar ‘Canino’. The soluble solids content varied from 10.2 °Brix in the cv. ‘Bakour’ to 15.0 °Brix in the cultivar ‘Bayoudhi’. A wide range of variability was found among the apricot cultivars with regard to the phenolic compounds content [32.7-71.5 mg GAE/100 g FW]. The cultivar ‘Khad Hlima’ presented the highest value of relative antioxidant capacity (366.8 μg Trolox Equivalents/g FW). Our study permits to select the cv. ‘Bakour’ with the needed precocity, the cv. ‘Canino’ with high firmness, the cv. ‘Bayoudhi’ with the highest SSC and the cv. ‘Khad Hlima’ with high nutritional quality. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: This study represents a valuable source of genotypes to be used in apricot breeding programs.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• apricot
• flavonoids
• total phenolics