Adaptability of apricot varieties in the Right-Bank Subzone of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

The research reveals the main reasons that prevent the extension of commercial apricot plantations in Ukraine and worldwide. This brief description includes eight cultivars from Ukrainian and foreign breeding programmes. The trials conducted in the Right-Bank subzone of the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The plants from Ukrainian breeding programme 'Melitopolskyi Ranni?', 'Botsadivskyi', 'Siaivo', 'Kumir', 'Osoblyvyi Denysiuka', as well as the foreign one - 'Robada', 'Harogem', 'HJA-19', were distinguished by high adaptability to the complex of adverse overwintering factors in the above-mentioned region. These samples did not lose the acquired level of frost resistance under the influence of provoking thaws. A comprehensive assessment of drought resistance, based on water-holding capacity, turgor recovery degree, water deficiency, and leaves' hydration of the presented varieties, established that all variants of the experiment were not inferior to the best popular cultivars. According to the the biological feature of buds' formation at an early age, the cultivars 'Robada' and 'HJA-19' were characterized as early-fruiting. The yield and quality indicators for the 2021-2022 years of research were evaluated. Average fruit weight was noted in all samples, with the cultivar 'Siaivo' exceeding the average. To improve the assortment and enrich the apricot gene pool collections with the best samples suitable for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine, according to the results of the study, the following researched cultivars were included in the collection of valuable samples of the common apricot gene pool of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine: 'Melitopolskyi Ranni?,' 'Botsadivskyi,' 'Siaivo,' and 'Osoblyvyi Denysiuka'. These cultivars are sources of productivity and adaptability to abiotic factors of cultivation (winter and frost resistance, drought resistance). They are certified by the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]