Morphological and Pomological Characteristics of Sweet Cherry (<i>Prunus Avium</i>L.) Grown<i>In-situ</i>under South Mediterranean Climate in Morocco
Mina El Baji, Hafida Hanine, Said Ennahli, Rafel Socias i Company, Ossama Kodad
Abstract
Twenty-four morphological and pomological traits were characterized in a group of 47 Moroccan sweet cherry genotypes to evaluate their diversity. The fruit weight varied between 3.6 and 7.52 g, considered acceptable for the fresh market. Six genotypes showed fruit weight between 3 and 5 g, making them suitable for specific industrial uses. The statistical analysis revealed high variability among genotypes, although these variables did not allow the classification of the genotypes according to their geographical origin. Genotypes with high physical traits could be planted in modern orchards in association with commercial cultivars or incorporated in sweet cherry breeding programmes.