Results of an Apricot Breeding Programme at the CRA - FRU

A breeding programme was started about 25 years ago with the following main objectives: the extension of the ripening or marketing period, that now extends over 45-50 days; greater ability of cultivars to adapt to different climate conditions; big fruit size; round shaped or slightly heart-shaped fruit; yellow or orange skin colour with red blush; excellent organoleptic characteristics, which are often unsatisfactory in more recently introduced varieties. The programme allowed carrying out a series of observations about the way important fruit characters such as organoleptic quality, fruit size and shape, flesh colour and firmness, ripening time and resistance to Monilinia spp. are transmitted to the progeny. It also produced 21 advanced selections, of which at least three are considered as candidate to be introduced into the market.