Phenotypic Traits for Cherry Varieties at UASVM Cluj-Napoca
Abstract
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.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
a) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
b) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
c) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).