Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Chracteristics of some Selected Sweet Cherry Genotypes

This study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran during 2008-2010 to determine genetic variation and evatuate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of thirteen selected sweet cherry (Prunus avium cv. Siahe Mashhad) genotypes using phenological and pomological characteristics. The results showed that selected genotypes had a wide variation in fruit traits (fruit weight, stone weight, flesh to stone ratio, soluble solid content, pH and total acid content)and phenological stages. Genotypes SH4 (March 23th) and SH21 (April 4th) had the earliest and latest blooming, respectively. All the selected genotypes were self-incompatible and fruit set formation in the open pollination between genotypes varied from 11.05 to 43.64 percent. The fruit weight also varied significantly among the genotypes. Genotypes SH7 with 9.2 g and SH1 with 4.5 g, had the highest and lowest fruit weight. The results of the present study revealed a high variation in different characteristics of these thirteen genotypes of Siahe Mashhad sweet cherry.