Origin and traits of traditional Spanish peach cultivars preserved in the BAGERIM

Historically, Spain has been an important Mediterranean area for production of peaches. Over the 80s and 90s of 20th century, the IMIDA collected traditional peach cultivars in different Spanish crop areas and established a gemplasm collection. Currently, this collection is conserved in the BAGERIM. A total of 98 accessions of which 46 came from Southeast zones, 17 from Isso (Albacete), 16 from Murcia and 13 from Gorga (Alicante). Another 26 came from Granada province, 14 from Castillejar and 10 from Algarinejo. Another 19 are from Periana (Malaga), 4 from La Nava (Huelva) and only one from Amoeiro (Orense). All these zones are located between 300 and 750 m of altitude. Thus, most of the accessions have high or very high chilling requirements (more than 1,500 C.U.) and they ripen from August to October. Yellow flesh color and non-melting flesh is common to all accessions along with high soluble solids contents (more than 15 degrees Brix) and medium acid content (6-8 g L-1).