Abstract

In 2008-2011, at the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, Poland seven genotypes of Prunus armeniaca L., designated MN-1, MN-2, MN-4, MN-6, MN-46, MN-53 and MN-59, were evaluated for use as trees to provide seeds for the production of generative rootstocks for apricot cultivars. The study was conducted on trees growing in the Experimental Orchard in Dabrowice (central Poland). The best as seed trees proved to be genotypes MN-4 and MN-46. Their flower buds are resistant to frost, the flowers are well able to tolerate spring frosts, and the trees yield regularly and produce a lot of small fruit. Trees of these genotypes are also characterized by a relatively low growth vigour and produce seeds with a high germination capacity. The results indicate that genotypes MN-4 and MN-46 are very suitable for harvesting seeds for the production of generative rootstocks for apricot cultivars in countries located in the seasonally cold regions of the temperate climate which represent the northernmost extent of apricot cultivation.

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