Sahand 97, the new late ripen cultivar of apricot suitable for processing, storing and transport

In order to increase time interval of the fruit supply and to produce variability and benefit from the marketable characteristics of superior apricot germplasm, six promising genotypes selected among native genotypes of East Azerbaijan province, Iran were evaluated from 2004 to 2018. In these studies, the generative and vegetative characteristics of these genotypes were assessed during the implementation of seven research projects and studied genotype were compared with the cv. Ordubad 90 (as control). The results showed that fruit of genotype No. 190 was ripened at least 20 days later than control. Although the mean differences of fruit volume and weight of this genotype were non-significant with control but its flesh firmness in the physiological ripening stage was significantly more than the control (3 kgcm-2). Also, a significant difference was observed between the weight ratio of fruit/stone of genotype 190 and control having ratios of 25.6 and 16.6, respectively. The fruit of this genotype with 25% moisture reduction was dried ideally and its organoleptic characteristics remained stable for at least one year in cold storage conditions. Studies also revealed that the superiority of the characteristics of yield efficiency, relative coloring of fruit, ripening date, storage period, shelf life and transportability of genotype No. 190 in comparison with control and therefor this genotype was released and introduced as "Sahand 97" commercial name to the Iran's horticultural community.