Some results of evaluation of new-introduced apricot cultivars under conditions of Plovdiv region

Abstract. Apricot is not typical species for South Central Region of Bulgaria, where the Plovdiv region occupies a large part of the territory, but last 5 years the area and production remain stable. In this study, are presented the first results of investigation on seven new introduced apricot cultivars 'Bergecot', 'Flavor cot', 'Jenny cot', 'Lady cot', 'Perle cot', 'Sweet cot' and 'Tom cot', carried out at the Fruit Growing Institute in Plovdiv. The investigation included phelogical data, fruit dimensions, chemical composition and sensory evaluation of the fruits. The studied cultivars more often entered the stage of flowering after second part of March and the differences between them were insignificant – one or two days. Among the investigated cultivars four of themripened in the third decade of June, 'Lady cot' ripened in the beginning of July, 'Bergecot' in the end of July and 'Jenny cot' in the first half of August. The largest fruits had cultivar 'Lady cot' – 57.86 g, and the smallest one 'Flavor cot' – 37.64 g. The total soluble solids (TSS) content in the present study varied from 13.4° Brix in 'Perle cot' to 23.3° Brix in 'Jeny cot' cultivar. The highest vitamin C content was found in 'Bergecot' – 29.40 mg/100 g and it is statistically proved. According to the final evaluation the cultivars 'Bergecot' and 'Sweet cot' have exellent sensory characteristics and the other 5 cultivars are classified in the group of first class. According to the obtained data, all evaluated cultivars in this study are suitable for growing under the conditions of Plovdiv region. The most attractive and quality fruits have cultivars 'Lady cot', 'Perle cot', 'Bergecot' and 'Sweet cot