Evaluation study of the interspecific hybrids between Prunus armeniaca and P. brigantina in Nikita Botanical Garden

The study included 14 interspecific hybrids between Prunus brigantina Vill. and P. armeniaca L. growing in Nikitsky botanical garden. The work was carried out for 3 years (2014-2016). The site is located on the southern coast of Crimea at 200 m a.s.l. Cultivar 'Iskorka Tavridi' was used as a control. It is one of the best cultivars in the Crimea in economically valuable features. The aim of the research was to determine the economic and biological traits of interspecific apricot hybrids and their prospects for breeding use. It was found that the usage of P. brigantina in apricot breeding is very important, because the hybrids inherit properties such as flowering, late ripening, weak susceptibility to disease, etc. The obtained hybrids often inherit the characteristics of a mother plant. Nearly all genotypes included in the experiment blossomed 2-3 weeks and matured 3-4 weeks later than the control cultivar. Only two hybrids of the second generation (8-86 and 7-86) were the exception in which the flowering time and fruit maturation was comparable to the control cultivar. The defeat of Monilinia laxa (Aderh. & Ruhland) Honey to majority of hybrids did not exceed 0-1 points and Stigmina carpophila (Lev.) M. B. Ellis 1.0-2.0 points. Five hybrid individuals were identified to be resistant to both diseases in the field. The fruit weight in hybrid progeny included in the experiment was significantly lower (12-23 g) than the cultivar 'Iskorka Tavridi' (57 g); the majority of genotypes have mediocre flavor quality of fruits (tasting score 3.5 points). Hybrids of the first generation 8107, 8098, 7794, and hybrid of the second generation 8-86 stand out with the best of traits. Based on the studied indicators, they are not inferior to the control cultivar.