SELECTION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS SOUR CHERRY (PRUNUS CERASUS L.) GENOTYPES IN FEKETIĆ REGION.

Autochthonous genotypes of fruit species are very important source of genetic variability and valuable material for breeding work. Fruit Research Institute-Cacak has a long tradition of studying autochthonous genotypes of temperate fruits sporadically spread and preserved in some localities in Serbia. Over 2005-2006, the following properties of nine autochthonous sour cherry genotypes grown in Feketic region were investigated: flowering and ripening time, pomological properties, biochemical composition of fruits and field resistance to causal agents of cherry diseases - cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm.) v. Arx.), shot-hole (Clasterosporium carpophilum (Lév.) Aderh.) and brown rot (Monilinia laxa /Ader et Ruhl./ Honey ex Whetz.). The genotypes were tested for the presence of Prune dwarf virus and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus. In majority of genotypes fruits were large, with exceptional organoleptical properties, whereas ripening time was in the first ten or twenty days of June. The highest fruit weight was observed in F-1 genotype (8.1 g). The highest soluble solids and total sugars content were found in F- 4 genotype (17.60% and 14.25%, respectively). As for field resistance to causal agents of diseases and good pomo-technological properties, F-1, F-2, F-3, F-7 and F-8 genotypes were singled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]