NEW PROMISING WHITE NECTARINE GENOTYPES FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF NORTHWESTERN TURKEY

In the Çanakkale region located in the northwestern Turkey, peaches and nectarines represents 11% of the total Turkish peach production. The region has an important role as producer of high quality fruits and native nectarine genotypes at the highlands. Kazdagi Mountain located in Çanakkale, formerly known as Ida, is the biggest mass of Biga Peninsula where the white nectarine population is concentrated at its plateaus and highlands. Plant characteristics of white nectarines were similar to the trees of common peach or nectarine cultivars. They have small fruits with white-cream color and have high market value because of its unique flavor and attractive appearance. Among white nectarine population, 15 genotypes were selected for their higher yield and attractive fruit characteristics during selection studies. Selected genotypes are certified by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The main objectives of the present study are: i) to present some agronomical, phenological, plant and fruit characteristics of the native white nectarine population, ii) to compare the selected genotypes with common peaches and nectarine cultivars, iii) to present preliminary results of hybridizations between white nectarines and different Prunus species and cultivars.