Morphological and biochemical performance of exotic apricot germplasm under agro-climatic conditions of Mansehra

This study evaluates the growth, yield, and biochemical quality of exotic and local apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes under the agro-climatic conditions of Mansehra, Pakistan. Despite favourable climatic factors, the region’s apricot productivity remains suboptimal, necessitating the introduction of high-yielding germplasm. Field trials at the National Tea and High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI) compared exotic varieties (Moorpark, Castle Bright, Hunter) with local cultivars (Doghli, Trivet) using a Randomized Complete Block Design. Morphological parameters, including days to 50% fruit setting, fruit maturity, fruit count, yield, fruit weight, and seed weight, were measured alongside biochemical traits (total soluble solids, sugar content, acidity). Results revealed that exotic genotypes outperformed locals significantly: Moorpark and Hunter achieved 50% fruit setting 4-8 days faster, while Castle Bright matured earliest (63 days vs. locals’ 120+ days). Exotic Hunter produced the highest fruit count (968.73 fruits plant-1) and yield (Moorpark: 38.43 kg tree-1), surpassing locals by 40-50%. Biochemically, Castle Bright exhibited superior sweetness (47.83 °Brix, 10.48% sugar), whereas acidity remained uniform across all varieties (0.91-1.04%). These findings underscore the adaptability of exotic germplasm to Mansehra’s climate, offering enhanced productivity, marketable fruit quality, and resilience. The study advocates for integrating exotic cultivars into local breeding programs to bridge yield gaps, improve farmer livelihoods, and meet consumer demands for nutrient-rich apricots in temperate Himalayan regions.