Comparison of key quality characteristics and table grape potentials of diploid and triploid hybrid genotypes obtained through cross-breeding

In many countries worldwide, new grape varieties are being developed through various breeding programs to meet changing consumer demands in the table grape market. In Türkiye, one of the countries with the most widespread table grape production, breeding studies are ongoing in various institutions. These studies generally involve hybridization within V.vinifera and between different species. These hybridizations result in hybrid genotypes with different characteristics. In this study, 51 intraspecific hybrid genotypes and 6 interspecific triploid hybrid genotypes developed through hybridization breeding at the Tekirdağ Viticulture Research Institute were compared with 6 standard varieties on 30 quality characteristics. Data were obtained from hybrid genotypes grafted onto 1103 Paulsen rootstocks, in the second stage, and possessing a sufficient number of clusters. Among these characteristics, seedlessness, large size, unique aroma, degustation test (sensory score), and harvest time have been the most prominent selection criteria. The aim of the research is to identify potential table grape varieties with market value and the potential to generate high income for table grape growers. Among the hybrid genotypes evaluated, 44XD-8 stood out particularly for its large berry size, herbaceous aroma, strong berry-stem connection, early maturity, and disease resistance. 44XT-26, on the other hand, stood out with its large, seedless berries, early maturity, and high sensory test score. Additionally, 7XM-98 was another hybrid genotype that stood out for its high sensory test scores and late maturity. KPXAK-26, 41XT-25, 41XGG-6, 7XB-60, 43XB-103, 43XB-119, and TSXBARIŞ-31, which scored 15 or higher in sensory tests compared to standard varieties such as Tekirdağ Çekirdeksizi and Trakya İlkeren, were other promising hybrid genotypes. Based on the results of advanced quality analyses of these promising hybrid genotypes, they could be registered and transferred to grape growers in the near future.