Impact of Harvest Time on the Main Agronomic and Fruit Quality Traits of Three Apricot Cultivars

Abstract

Fruit quality and sensorial traits of three apricot cultivars as affected by harvest time were evaluated. High variability and significant differences were found among cultivars in all studied traits, except flowering date, yield efficiency, stone weight, titratable acidity, and sucrose. Additionally, all evaluated traits significantly depended on the harvest time. Year-by-year variation also was observed. Mid-late season 'Hungarian Best' and late ripening 'Kecskemét Rosè' cultivars had better fruit quality and sensorial traits than the early ripening cultivar 'Senetate', and can be recommended for fresh consumption, storage, and processing. On a principal component analysis, mid- and late-harvest time was shown to be positively associated with a good yield, sweetness, flavor, juiciness, and aroma, and negatively associated with sourness of the apricot. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.