GENOTYPE X LOCATION INTERACTIONS ON ARCHITECTURAL AND FLORAL TRAITS IN APRICOT TREE

The purpose was to find relevant variables and appropriate stages in order to allow early highlighting of significant genetic differences and effects of location in apricot. Quantitative growth and branching variables were studied in young grafted trees, for four varieties in three locations within France. Flowering resources were evaluated in the adult stage. The differing traits in vigour, size and form between adult trees of the four varieties were in agreement with the quantitative genetic differences recorded. The low adaptability of ‘Bergeron’ and ‘SEO’ to the Mediterranean climate resulted from different flowering behaviours. Unexpected differences between the Languedoc and Roussillon were recorded, regarding the effects on flowering.