Effect of pollen source on fruit set and quality of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

The effect of pollen from three introduced sweet cherry cultivars (Stella, Sweet Heart and Lappins) was studied on fruit and stone properties of two sweet cherry cultivars (Bing and Rainier). Significant variations in percentage of fruit set, fruit characters and ripening time were observed. The pollens of Stella recorded highest fruit set (78.66 %) and retention (89.33 %) when used on Rainier and minimum fruit set and retention was recorded in open pollinated Bing (30.66% and 75.89 %) respectively. All strains of pollens used in this study had greatly influenced the stages of maturity in seed parents. Pollen from early maturing cultivar Stella accelerated maturity in Bing and Rainier by two days but pollen from late maturing cultivars Lappins and Sweet Heart delayed maturation in both by 2 days. Highest fruit weight (8.02g) and fruit thickness (21.67mm) in Rainier was achieved when Lappins when used as pollen parent. However, pollens from Sweet Heart resulted in highest fruit length (21.84mm) in Bing and fruit diameter (23.47mm) in Rainier. Significant differences in TSS and total sugars were observed among all cross combinations. Pollens of Lappins gave highest total soluble solids (19.96o Brix) and total sugars (11.15%) when used on Rainier and Bing respectively. There was remarkable difference regarding fruit color (L*, a*, b*) in open and cross combinations. Highest L* and b* value (45.89) and (22.60) respectively were recorded in open pollinated ‘Rainier’ where as pollens from ‘Sweet Heart’ resulted in highest a* (29.73) when used on ‘Bing’ seed parent.