Characterization of Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] Germplasm Using UPOV Test Gudielines

Fifteen peach accessions namely July Elberta, Early Redhaven, Suncrest, Tropic Sweet, Paradelux, Saharanpur Prabhat, Earligrande, Flordaprince, Tropic Snow, Flordaglo, Vallegrande, Tropic Beauty, Pratap, Shan-i-Punjab and Glohaven were evaluated for their tree, foliage, floral and fruit characters using UPOV test guidelines. Varied serration was observed from crenate (4 accessions) to shallow serrate (6 accessions) to deep serrate (5 accessions). Nectaries (glands) were observed as globose in five accessions whereas in other accessions these were reniform. Mucron tip was present in seven accessions whereas absent in eight accessions. Shape of fruit varied from circular (8 accessions) to broad elliptic (5 accessions) to medium oblate (2 accessions). Flesh colour was observed as white in Saharanpur Prabhat, Flordaglo and Tropic Snow whereas yellow in all other accesssions under study. Adherence of stone to flesh was absent in nine accessions whereas, present in rest of the accessions. Ovary was pubescent in all the accessions studied. The present work has revealed considerable variation in majority of the characters studied and the descriptive database so developed will help in DUS testing and in multiplication of true-to-type planting material.