Productivity and Fruit Quality Indicators of Elite Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) Forms Depending on Agroclimatic Factors of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Abstract
Purpose. The aim of the research was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of 14 elite sour cherry forms of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (IH NAAS), representing medium and medium-late ripening periods, based on a combination of biochemical, organoleptic, and economic-biological traits; to identify the most valuable genotypes according to fruit quality indicators and technological properties; to assess their adaptability to abiotic stress factors during the spring– summer period; and to determine their prospects for use in breeding and commercial horticulture. Methods. The experiments were established and conducted, and the main assessments and observations were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Statistical data processing was performed using the standard set of statistical functions in Microsoft Excel. Results. During 2023–2025, considerable variability in the biochemical, pomological, and economic-biological characteristics of elite sour cherry forms was established depending on genotype and weather conditions. The most critical factors were spring frosts and summer droughts in 2024–2025, which significantly affected flowering, fruit set, and productivity. Based on a combination of pomological and organoleptic characteristics, forms 2/60, 1/68, 1/21, and 1/20 were distinguished for their large fruit size, attractive appearance, and high sensory scores (8.6–8.8 points). The highest content of soluble solids was recorded in forms 1/20 (21.45%) and 1/21 (19.42%), sugars in 2/70 (11.83%) and 2/32 (11.54%), ascorbic acid in 1/21 (13.10 mg/100 g), and phenolic compounds in 1/21 (607 mg/100 g) and 2/70 (594 mg/100 g). The most harmonious taste was observed in forms 1/21, 2/12, and 1/20 (sugar-acid index, 6.3–6.9), whereas form 2/70 had the highest sugar-acid index (9.4). Based on the combination of quality characteristics, forms 1/21 and 1/20 were assigned to the first commercial grade. The highest average yields were recorded for forms 1/68, 1/21, and 1/20 (8.2–9.0 t/ha), while forms 1/21 and 1/18 demonstrated the highest resistance to spring frosts. Thus, forms 1/21 and 1/20 were identified as the most promising for further variety testing and commercial horticulture, whereas forms 2/60, 2/70, and 1/3 were identified as valuable breeding material for specific traits, particularly large fruit size and fruit quality. Conclusions. The results of the 2023–2025 studies established that elite sour cherry forms 1/21, 1/20, and 2/30 are characterized by high technological suitability and transportability, while forms 1/21, 1/20, and 2/12 have optimal taste properties. Promising forms were identified based on ascorbic acid and phenolic compound content, including 1/68, 1/21, 1/18, 1/20, 2/32, 2/54, and 2/70, whereas forms 1/3, 2/54, 2/60, and 2/70 are recommended as sources of large fruit size. Based on a combination of economically valuable traits, elite forms 1/21, 1/20, and 1/68 are recommended for inclusion in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine and for introduction into commercial horticulture in the Western Forest-Steppe zone.
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