SELECTION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS SOUR CHERRY

Autochthonous genotypes of fruit species are very important source of genetic variability and valuable material for breeding work. Fruit Research Institute–Čačak has a long tradition of studying autochthonous genotypes of temperate fruits sporadically spread and preserved in some localities in Serbia. Over 2005–2006, the following properties of nine autochthonous sour cherry genotypes grown in Feketić region were 286 GENETIKA, Vol. 44, No.2, 285-297, 2012 investigated: flowering and ripening time, pomological properties, biochemical composition of fruits and field resistance to causal agents of cherry diseases – cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm.) v. Arx.), shot-hole (Clasterosporium carpophilum (Lév.) Aderh.) and brown rot (Monilinia laxa /Ader et Ruhl. / Honey ex Whetz.). The genotypes were tested for the presence of Prune dwarf virus and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus. In majority of genotypes fruits were large, with exceptional organoleptical properties, whereas ripening time was in the first ten o