# Fruit Quality Traits and Self‐ (In)compatibility Allele Status of Some Apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) Seedlings Obtained by Cross‐Breeding

## TL;DR

This study evaluates fruit quality and self-compatibility in apricot seedlings to support breeding for better cultivars.

## Contribution

Identifies self-compatible apricot seedlings with high fruit weight and soluble solids content for breeding programs.

## Key findings

- 76 out of 96 seedlings were found to be self-compatible.
- Seedlings with high fruit weight and soluble solids content were identified as self-compatible.
- PCA revealed key traits influencing fruit quality and self-compatibility.

## Abstract

Cross‐breeding in apricot (
Prunus armeniaca
L.) is widely used to increase genetic diversity and develop new cultivars with desirable characteristics. In the present study, the morphological traits, chemical properties, and self‐compatibility status of 96 apricot seedlings from controlled hybridization and the two reference cultivars (Hacıhaliloğlu and Kabaaşı) were examined. The morphological traits' coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 3.22% to 55.83%. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first three components accounted for 63.8% of the total variance. Traits important for table apricots, such as fruit weight, fruit width, fruit length, fruit height, and fruit flesh/pit ratio, showed a high contribution in PC1. While L*, b*, and chroma values showed the highest effect on PC2, dried apricot‐related characteristics such as soluble solids content (SSC), pH, fruit shape, fruit firmness, and seed weight showed the highest effect on PC3. As a result of the heatmap hierarchical clustering analysis, seedlings and reference cultivars were divided into two main groups with different subsets. In total, 76 out of 96 seedlings showed self‐compatible alleles. Seedlings 6, 3, 8, and 39, having high fruit weight, an important character in table apricots, and seedlings 34, 35, 47, and 68, showing high SSC, an important feature in dried apricots, were determined to be self‐compatible. Although seedling 3 was self‐incompatible, it attracted attention for its red fruit color and weight. The findings provide valuable information for apricot breeding programs. These findings will shed light on studies on developing new apricot varieties with self‐compatibility and high fruit quality.

Hybrid genotypes 6, 3, 8, and 39 having high fruit weight, an important character in table apricots, and hybrid genotypes 34, 35, 47, and 68 having high SSC, an important feature in dried apricots, were determined to be self‐compatible. Although hybrid genotype 3 was self‐incompatible, it attracted attention with its red fruit color and weight. The findings obtained can be used in apricot breeding studies, and studies will be carried out on certifying prominent hybrids in the coming years.