Phenotypic and nutritional evaluation of low chill peach cultivars

Aim: To determine variation among the low chill peach cultivars for various metric and non-metric parameters of flowering and fruiting, with an objective to identify potential genotypes with promising attributes for trait-specific low chill peach breeding. Methodology: The present study was performed at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India during the years 2021 and 2022. The qualitative attributes were assessed as per the DUS Guidelines of Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmer's Right Authority. The quantitative and quality attributes were estimated following the standard methodology (AOAC, 2000). The pooled data of 2021 and 2022 were analyzed to test the significance of differences between the means for different parameters through ANOVA. Results: The cultivar Florda Prince performed better in terms of early fruit maturity (69.83 days) and also produced the heaviest (123.70 g) and largest fruit size (66.30 x 62.63 mm). The pulp-to-stone ratio ranged between 9.49 (Selection-12) to 23.32 (Florda Red). The cultivar Shan-i-Punjab was the most productive cultivar (20.52 kg/tree), however, the maximum yield efficiency (0.080 kg cm(-2)) was found in Saharanpur Prabhat variety. In terms of fruit quality, Florda Gold determined the maximum TSS content (13.61 degrees B) while Red June witnessed minimum titratable acidity (0.44%) with maximum antioxidant capacity (72.24%). For major bio-active compounds (total phenols and flavonoids), the cultivar Selection-12 was superior (68.67 mg gallic acid eq. 100 g(-1) ; 61.90 mg 100 g( -1)) among all low chill peaches. Interpretation: The findings of the present study will be useful in the selection of peach cultivars that may prove to be valuable genetic resources for the improvement of low chill peaches.