Evaluation of apricot selections for the North Italian environment

Within a breeding program started by Creso in order to diversify the varietal panorama of apricot in Piemonte, progenies between Tonda di Costigliole (male parent), and either Goldrich or Laycot were obtained in 1999. Following a preliminary evaluation, 10 selections were chosen for being tested for agronomic performance and fruit quality. Apricot fruits of the 10 selections and of the parent cultivars grown at the Creso experimental field located in Manta (CN) were analysed for chemical (juice RSR, titratable acidity, pH) physical (flesh firmness, skin colour) and sensory characteristics. Flowering and ripening times were recorded. DNA analysis was carried out on the same selections and on 20 cultivars with the aim of checking the parentage of the selection. Results showed that 8 selections had improved (more intense) skin colour than Tonda di Costigliole; 4 of them were promising for the large size and the good firmness at maturity; in 2 selections these traits were accompanied by high soluble solid content.