Comprehensive evaluation of introduced cherry varieties cultivated in the submontane province of Dagestan

Abstract

The study was conducted from 2019 to 2022 with sour cherry varieties cultivated in the conditions of the mountainous province of Dagestan. The research objects were 13 introduced acidic cherry varieties of different ecological and geographical origins. Productivity and assessing the fruit quality parameters were studied using standard methods of variety research and biochemical analysis. It was determined that the varieties Shaten Morel, Heyman Konservn, Vladimirskaia, and Basler Adler are characterised by the highest content of soluble dry matter (14.66–16.21%) and sugars (10.15–11.30%) in the fruits. The varieties Krasa Severa, Basler Adler, Shaten Morel, and Liubskaia proved to be the most valuable in terms of the mass concentration of vitamin C (8.95–10.43 mg%). Liubskaia, Shaten Morel, and Padus Maaki had a higher acid content than the reference variety Podbelskaia (1.24%). Varieties Krasa Severa, Chudo-vishnia, Heyman Konservn, and Basler Adler exhibited large fruit sizes (4.8–6.9 g). The sensory evaluation of the fruits was high (within the range of 4.8–5.0 points on a five-point scale) for the varieties Chudo-vishnia, Heyman Konservn, and Basler Adler. These same varieties demonstrated consistently high yields (5.21–7.66 t/ha) over the years of the study. The results of the comprehensive analysis of the cherry assortment allowed the identification of varieties that are most promising for cultivation on an industrial scale in the territory of Dagestan and use in breeding – Chudo-vishnia, Heyman Konservn, Basler Adler, Krasa Severa, and Shaten Morel.