Flowering phenology of apricot cultivars in the Belgrade region

Abstract

The phenology of flowering was studied in 50 apricot cultivars in the Belgrade region over a period of eight years (2009-2016). Within the flowering phenophase, three sub-phases were registered: the beginning of flowering, full flowering and the end of flowering. In addition, the duration and abundance of flowering were examined. The average date of the beginning of flowering for all cultivars was March 22, of full flowering - March 25, and of the end of flowering - April 1. The average duration of flowering was 9.7 days, with a range among cultivars between 7.5 days ('Gergana') and 12 days ('Ninfa ' and 'Radka'). The lowest average score (3.0) for flowering intensity was obtained in 'Hungarian Best' cultivar, and the highest score (4.6) in 'Harcot' and 'Leskora' cultivars. In years with higher temperatures during the flowering, a smaller range in flowering time among cultivars was recorded, as well as shorter duration of flowering. Based on the beginning of flowering, the tested cultivars were classified into three groups: early-flowering (14 cultivars), medium-flowering (21 cultivars) and late-flowering (15 cultivars). Meteorological factors (air temperature) had a greater influence on the course and duration of the flowering phenophase than the genetic traits of the cultivars.