Preliminary evaluations on a new apricot selection obtained in central Italy

Pluriannual investigations performed on several apricot cultivars and selections have shown a high variability of fruit quality traits and antioxidant properties. Some genotypes have stood out for their significant pomological and nutraceutical fruit-profiling, representing an opportunity for breeding strategies to improve marketing policies. Currently, the increase of nutritional quality is one of the main breeder’s targets to meet the consumer's needs for healthy food. Thus, parents with high antioxidant capacity, such as the apricot selection ‘7C 20-3’ (‘Haggit’ × Prunus brigantina Vill.) and ‘Harcot’ cultivar, were chosen for crossing, using the traditional breeding technology of emasculation and hand pollination. Hybrid seedlings (‘7C 20-3’ × ‘Harcot’) were then grafted onto Myrabolan 29 C rootstock, and the plants were transplanted in experimental fields located in different Tuscan provinces (Italy). Observations were conducted on vegetative characters, flowering, ripening period, quality, and sensory profile of fruits. As concern fruit quality parameters, pomological traits, physical and chemical analysis, total antioxidant capacity and total phenols content were performed. The new selection showed several interesting attributes including a higher antioxidant capacity, a late and intense flowering, followed by a high fruit-set. The ripening period is at the end of June-early July and fruits have an excellent flavor and taste. Although further observations are needed to validate the biological and agronomical behavior of the new selection, this apricot genotype could be highly recommended for experimental trials in different cultivation areas.