ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypes developed by the Peach Breeding Program at the Federal University of Viçosa, as regards to resistance to M. incognita. Six rootstocks genotypes propagated by cuttings (713-07, 713-13, 913-3, 913-6, 913-11 and 913-17) and two rootstocks propagated by seeds (‘Okinawa’ and hybrid between scion cultivars Aurora 2 x Aurora 1), were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized block design with five replicates and one plant per experimental units. After establishing the plants in pot, maintained in a greenhouse, this were inoculated with 11.000 juveniles + eggs of M. incognita. Evaluations were performed at 140 days after inoculation. The roots were evaluated and the number of galls and egg mass in the roots were determined. The eggs were extracted from each plant for quantification and determination of the Reproduction Factor (RF) of the nematode. The peach genotypes 913-3, 913-6, 913-11, 913-17 and 713-7 showed an immune reaction to M. incognita. Genotype 713-13 showed susceptible reaction to M. incognita. The hybrid between scion cultivars Aurora 2 x Aurora 1 confirmed susceptible.

Abstract The aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and analyze the genotypic divergence in S0 and S1 peach trees evaluated in a subtropical environment by the mixed model methodology. For this, twenty-two clones were evaluated for plant and fruit traits. Genotypic variance among clones was significant. The individual broad-sense heritabilities ranged from 0.11 to 0.84, and the individual repeatability coefficients ranged from 0.15 to 0.89. The genotypic coefficients of variation were higher than 10% for most of the traits. Clustering based on plant and fruit traits led to the formation of two and five mutually exclusive groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis of principal components indicated that some traits could be excluded from genetic evaluation. Considering the yield trait and the selection of five clones, predicted gain from selection was 70%, which shows the possibility of considerable genetic progress from clonal selection in peach trees.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tolerancia al estrés hídrico y salino en cuatro especies cultivadas de Passiflora L. Se evaluaron 11 accesiones de cuatro especies de Passiflora de interés comercial provenientes de diferentes plantaciones. El diseño experimental fue en parcelas subdivididas, donde la parcela principal fue el porcentaje de saturación de agua en relación con los requisitos del cultivo (33 y 100%). La subparcela se estableció por los niveles de saturación de sal (cloruro de sodio nivel reactivo - 99,9% de pureza) (CE: 1.50 y 5.5 dS m-1) con 11 accesiones en una disposición completamente aleatoria, con cinco repeticiones, donde la unidad experimental fue una planta. Los resultados mostraron que las accesiones m11, m13 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) y m15 (P. tarminiana) se consideraron tolerantes a la salinidad y la sequía; las accesiones m2 (P. edulis f. edulis), m12 y m14 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) fueron moderadamente tolerantes. Estas observaciones son la base para futuros estudios de tolerancia a la sequía en Passiflora, que deben ser seguidos por evaluaciones de campo.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine tolerance to water and salt stress in four cultivated Passiflora L. species. Eleven accessions of four Passiflora species of commercial interest from different plantations were evaluated. The experiment design used sub-split plots, where the plot was the percentage of water saturation in relation to the requirements of the crop (33 and 100%). The subplot was established with the saturation levels of salt (sodium chloride reactive level - 99.9% purity) (EC: 1.5 and 5.5 dS m-1) with the 11 accessions in a completely randomized array with five replications, where the experiment unit was one plant. The results showed that accessions m11, m13 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) and m15 (P. tarminiana) were tolerant to salinity and drought; accessions m2 (P. edulis f. edulis), m12 and m14 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) were moderately tolerant. These observations provided a basis for future studies on drought tolerance in Passiflora, which must be followed up with field evaluations.

RESUMO: O cultivo do pessegueiro em regiões de inverno ameno é viabilizado pela utilização de genótipos que apresentam baixa necessidade de frio, sendo este um dos principais objetivos do melhoramento para essas regiões. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram estimar parâmetros genéticos, avaliar a variabilidade genética e selecionar famílias adaptadas a regiões de inverno ameno em geração S1 de pessegueiros via metodologia de modelos mistos (REML/BLUP). Para isso, 22 populações, 84 famílias e 2090 indivíduos foram avaliados quanto as características: taxa de brotação (TB), densidade de nós (DN), altura da planta (AP) e diâmetro do tronco (DT). Verificou-se variabilidade genética para todas as características. As herdabilidades individuais no sentido amplo foram de baixa e média magnitudes. A característica AP apresentou correlação genética positiva de magnitude elevada com DT. A característica DN apresentou correlação genética negativa moderada com AP e DT. O agrupamento pelo método de Tocher resultou na formação de seis grupos mutuamente excludentes. Considerando intensidade de seleção de 25%, a seleção simultânea para TB, DN e DT propiciou ganhos preditos de 11.3% para TB, 9.7% para DN, -14.2% para AP e -14.3% para DT, evidenciando o grande potencial do germoplasma avaliado.

ABSTRACT: The growing of peach in mild winter regions is made viable through the use of genotypes that have low need for cold conditions, and this is one of the main aims of breeding for these regions. Thus, the aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters, evaluate genetic variability, and select families adapted to mild winter regions in the S1 generation of peach through mixed model methodology (REML/BLUP). For that purpose, 22 populations, 84 families, and 2090 individuals were evaluated for the following traits: bud burst rate (BR), node density (ND), plant height (PH), and trunk diameter (TD). Genetic variability was found for all the traits. Individual heritability in the broad sense was of low and medium magnitudes. The PH trait had positive genotypic correlation of high magnitude with TD. The ND trait had moderate negative genotypic correlation with PH and TD. Clustering by the Tocher method resulted in the formation of six mutually exclusive groups. Considering selection intensity of 25%, simultaneous selection for BR, ND, and TD led to predicted gains of 11.3% for BR, 9.7% for ND, -14.2% for PH, and -14.3% for TD, showing the great potential of the germplasm evaluated.

Resumo O pessegueiro é uma fruteira de clima temperado, propagada por meio de enxertia com a cultivar copa e o porta enxerto oriundo de sementes, o que resulta em reduzida uniformidade, sendo a propagação por estaquia herbácea uma alternativa viável. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de diferentes genótipos de porta-enxerto de pessegueiro propagados por estaquia herbácea. O experimento foi realizado utilizando-se de estacas padronizadas em 15 cm de comprimento, tratadas em solução de AIB, na concentração de 3.000 mg L-1 que, posteriormente, foram transplantadas para embalagens de polietileno com capacidade para 3 L. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições, sendo cada parcela composta por três plantas. Foram testados 16 genótipos de pessegueiro oriundos do programa de melhoramento genético da UFV: 713-3; 713-6; 713-7; 713-10; 813-2; 813-3; 813-5; 813-15; 913-3; 913-6; 913-11; 913-17;C6; C7 e C8; e após 80 dias, foram avaliados os parâmetros: comprimento de haste (cm), diâmetro de haste (mm) e comprimento de entrenós (cm). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, pelo teste F; e as médias, comparadas pelo teste Scott-Knott, ao nível de 5% de probabilidade, com o auxílio do programa estatístico GENES. Conclui-se que o menor desenvolvimento inicial foi obtido no genótipo 1113-11, e as maiores estacas foram obtidas nos genótipos 713-13 e 813-5.

Abstract The peach tree is a temperate fruit tree propagated by grafting with the scion cultivar and the rootstock from seeds, generating low uniformity, a viable alternative is propagation by herbaceous cuttings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of different genotypes of peach rootstock propagated by herbaceous cuttings. The experiment was carried out with standardized cuttings of 15 cm in length treated with 3,000 mg L-1 of IBA solution, then were transplanted into 3 L polyethylene bags. A completely randomized design with five replications was adopted, each plot consisting of three plants. Sixteen peach genotypes from UFV breeding program were tested: 713-3, 713-6, 713-7, 713-10, 813-2, 813-3, 813-5, 813-15, 913-3, 913-6, 913-11, 913-17, C6, C7 and C8. After 80 days the following parameters were evaluated: stem length (cm), stem diameter (mm) and internode length (cm). Data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test and averages compared by the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level with the GENES statistical software. It can be concluded that the lower initial development was observed in genotype 1113-11 and the highest initial development was from genotypes 713-13 and 813-5.

Resumo A propagação seminífera de maracujá azedo (Passiflora edulis Sims) é o principal tipo de multiplicação devido à facilidade na formação de mudas. No entanto, o reduzido número de cultivares produtivas e homogêneas reflete a necessidade de melhoramento genético. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos maternos e recíprocos no vigor e na germinação de sementes de maracujá. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no esquema fatorial, com duas estruturas genéticas (híbrido e recíproco) e dez cruzamentos, com quatro repetições (50 sementes), em bandejas contendo areia inerte na câmara de germinação. Antes da semeadura, foi obtido o peso de 100 sementes, e aos 28 dias, foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento total de plântulas, comprimento de parte aérea e raiz principal, número de plântulas normais e massa seca por plântulas. Os efeitos recíprocos dizem qual genótipo é mais promissor quando usado como genitor feminino ou masculino para a característica estudada. Pode-se inferir que há efeito materno influenciando o peso de 100 sementes, a emergência, o índice de velocidade de emergência e o número de mudas normais. Houve influência dos pais na expressão de caracteres em sementes de maracujá azedo. É importante definir os pais paterno e materno para obter sementes com alto potencial de germinação.

Abstract The seminiferous propagation of Sour Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is the main kind of multiplication due to the ease formation of seedlings. However, the reduced number of productive and homogeneous cultivars reflects the need for genetic breeding. The objective of this study was to assess the maternal and reciprocal effects in vigor and germination of Sour Passion Fruit seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in the factorial scheme, with two structure (hybrid and reciprocal) and ten crosses with four replicates (50 seeds) in trays containing inert sand in germination chamber. Before sowing, it was obtained the weight of 100 seeds, and at 28 days germination percentage, emergence speed index, total seedlings length, shoot length and main root length, number of normal seedlings and dry mass per seedlings were evaluated. The reciprocal effects tell us which genotype is most promising when used as the female or male parent for the trait studied. It can be inferred that there is maternal effect influencing the weight of 100 seeds, emergence, emergence speed index and the number of normal seedlings. There was influence of the parent on the expression of traits in seeds of Sour Passion Fruit. It is important to define the paternal and maternal parent to obtain seeds with high germination potential.

Abstract This study was conducted to identify the allelic interactions and genetic effects involved in genetic control of quantitative traits in Capsicum annuum. Six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) were used to study the variances, means and allelic interactions of 16 quantitative traits evaluated. The additive part of the phenotypic variance found for plant height, number of peppers per plant, days to flowering and days to fruiting lead to the conclusion that phenotypic selection in the F2 generation are likely effective in obtaining genetic gains. According to the reduced model, the traits of canopy width, fruit width and number of seeds per fruit were not influenced by epistatic effects, but only by additive and dominant effects, which allows selection of superior individuals in segregating generations or improvement of these traits by means of hybridization.

ABSTRACT. The production of compact plants, which are slightly lacking in vigor and as productive as conventionally sized plants, is a trend in fruit growing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative performance and fruit quality of Gulfblaze and Reubennel plums intergrafted into two peach genotypes (UFV 186 and UFV 286). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design using a 3x2 factorial arrangement (interstocks x cultivar) with four replications and one plant per plot. The non-intergrafted treatment was considered the control. Ten fruits were collected per plot for physical and chemical analyses. The evaluations were performed in the years 2014 and 2015. The interstock UFV 286 produced Gulfblaze trees with lower height in the two years of evaluation. When using the UFV 286 interstock, the trunk diameters were 50.2% smaller in Gulfblaze and 44.25% smaller in Reubennel than the control cultivars. Intergrafting had no influence on the fruit mass of Reubennel. In general, the peach genotypes UFV 186 and UFV 286 can be recommended as interstocks for reducing plant size in the plums studied. Intergrafting had no effect on fruit quality of Reubennel plums.

RESUMO Muitos fatores ambientais afetam a fase de pós-produção das plantas ornamentais. A exposição ao etileno é um dos fatores mais importantes que afetam a qualidade de muitas plantas ornamentais em vaso. O trabalho teve como objetivo identificar genótipos de pimenta resistentes ao etileno na fase de pós-produção das pimentas de vaso. Onze cultivares de pimentas foram utilizadas, quando as plantas apresentaram 30% dos frutos maduros, foram transferidas para um recipiente hermético de 90 L e tratados com etileno à 10 μL L–1 por 48 horas, em seguida, mantidas à temperatura ambiente para posterior análise dos efeitos do etileno. Foram feitas contagens do número de folhas e frutos no tempo zero, 48, 96 e 144 horas após o tratamento com etileno. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. As cultivares apresentaram taxas variadas de abscisão foliar e de frutos. O cultivar ‘Peloteira’ apresentou maior resistência ao etileno, com abscisão foliar de 19%, após 144 horas. Para característica abscisão dos frutos, os cultivares ‘Peloteira’, ‘Jalapeño’, ‘Stromboli ornamental’, ‘Malagueta’ e ‘Rocoto vermelha’ apresentaram menor porcentagem de abscisão, variando entre 9 e 34%, após 144 horas de exposição ao etileno.

ABSTRACT Many environmental factors affect the post-production shelf life of potted ornamental plants. Exposure to ethylene can reduce the quality of many species, inducing flower, fruit and leaf abscission and senescence. The present study identified ethylene-resistant pepper genotypes during post-production shelf life testing. Potted plants of eleven pepper cultivars were transferred to a 90-L sealed container when they had 30% of ripe fruits and treated with 10 μL L–1 of ethylene for 48 hours. Number of leaves and fruits were counted at the beginning of ethylene exposure and after 48, 96 and 144 hours. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replicates of individual pots. The cultivars showed varied rates of foliar and fruit abscission. ‘Peloteira’ showed higher resistance to ethylene, with foliar abscission of 19%, after 144 hours. For fruit abscission, the cultivars ‘Peloteira’, ‘Jalapeño’, ‘Stromboli ornamental’, ‘Malagueta’ and ‘Rocoto Vermelha’ presented a lower percentage of leaf drop, varying between 9 and 34%, after 144 hours of exposure to ethylene. This study showed that ornamental peppers have high genetic diversity regarding ethylene sensitivity.

Abstract One of the most important criteria in the improvement of rootstocks is easiness of propagation. The objective of the present study was to verify the existence of genetic variability and the possibility of gains with selection in the rooting capacity among peach genotypes. Seventy-seven genotypes of peach belonging to five F3 families were evaluated. Rooting percentage (RP), number of roots per cutting (NR) and mean root length (RL) were evaluated. Genetic values were estimated. The nineteen genotypes with the lowest rank summation index were selected to estimate the genetic gains. The variables RP, NR and RL had progeny mean heritabilities of 0.53, 0.60 and 0.83, respectively. Of the individuals selected, 89.5% belonged to the 713 (Talismã x Adafuel) family. The estimation of the genetic and phenotypic parameters show the possibility of success by selecting superior genotypes, with gains of 9.09, 17.47 and 24% for RP, NR and RL, respectively.

RESUMEN Passiflora tarminiana es una glicofita trepadora, nativa de la región andina que tiene tolerancia a la salinidad y estrés hídrico moderado. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la capacidad para la excreción de sodio como una posible estrategia de esta especie para la tolerancia a la salinidad y a la sequía. La excreción de sal y las concentraciones de iones excretados se examinaron en plantas cultivadas durante siete meses bajo varios niveles de salinidad [(NaCl) 2,5; 4,0 y 5,5 dS m-1 (25, 40 y 55 mM)] y de estrés hídrico moderado (33 y 100% de humedad en el sustrato). El experimento fue llevado a cabo en un diseño completamente al azar con un arreglo de parcelas subdivididas, donde la parcela constituye el porcentaje de saturación de agua (33 y 100%), la subparcela los niveles de saturación de sal (CE: 2,5; 4,0 y 5,5 dS m-1), con cinco repeticiones, y la unidad experimental compuesta por una planta. Se evaluaron los cristales de sal y las estructuras de la epidermis foliar. Las sales fueron excretadas en la superficie adaxial de la hoja, posiblemente debido a las glándulas secretoras de sal especializadas. Se observaron otras estructuras como tricomas y papilas, que se cree que también están implicadas en la tolerancia a la salinidad en P. tarminiana.

ABSTRACT Passiflora tarminiana is a climbing glycophyte, native to the Andean region that has tolerance to salinity and moderate water stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate its capacity for sodium excretion as a possible strategy for salinity tolerance and the drought. Salt excretion and excreted ion concentrations were evaluated in plants grown for seven months under various levels of salinity [(NaCl) 2.5, 4.0, and 5.5 dS m-1 (25, 40 and 55 mM)] and moderate water stress (33 and 100% moisture in the substrate). The experiment design was completely randomized in a split-plot array, where the plot was determined by the percentage of water saturation (33% and 100%). The ubplot had saturation levels of salinity (EC: 2.5, 4.0, and 5.5 dS m-1), with five replicates. The experiment unit consisted of one plant. Salt crystals and structures of the leaf epidermis were evaluated. Salts were excreted in the adaxial leaf surface, possibly because of specialized salt secreting glands. Other structures, such as trichomes and papillae, were also observed, which are believed to also be involved in the salt tolerance of P. tarminiana.

Resumo Há poucos estudos e informações disponíveis no Brasil sobre as preferências do consumidor de pêssegos e nectarinas. Essa falta de informações tem dificultado alguns aspectos da cadeia produtiva, como a escolha e a exploração de cultivares mais apropriadas, períodos de oferta, adoção de estratégias de mercado e marketing, afetando consequentemente a disponibilização e a comercialização de frutos. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar a preferência dos consumidores de pêssegos e nectarinas, avaliar quais características foram observadas para a aquisição dos mesmos e onde são preferencialmente adquiridos. A pesquisa foi realizada no período de novembro de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017, utilizando a metodologia de pesquisa descritiva, por método de pesquisa Survey e Web 2.0. Foi utilizado um questionário do tipo estruturado, com perguntas fechadas. O questionário foi elaborado na forma online, utilizando o aplicativo Google docs e distribuído também na forma online, através de redes sociais da Internet. Participaram da pesquisa um total de 610 pessoas, com predominância de consumidores que habitam na região Sul e Sudeste do País, nas faixas etárias de 21 a 30 anos, com predominância de participantes do sexo feminino. O consumo é principalmente na forma in natura e com frequência predominante de algumas vezes ao ano. Os consumidores compram esses frutos principalmente em supermercados/hipermercados. Os consumidores de pêssegos e nectarinas no Brasil têm maior preferência por frutos com polpa amarela e epiderme vermelha, seguidos de frutos com polpa branca e epiderme de coloração vermelha intensa, ambos preferencialmente com caroço solto. Os principais critérios para aquisição de pêssegos e nectarinas no Brasil são aparência de frutos (presença e/ou ausência de defeitos, machucados, etc.), seguido do preço, coloração de epiderme e tamanho de fruto.

Abstract In Brazil, there are few studies and information available on consumer preferences for peaches and nectarines. This lack of information, has hindered some aspects of the production chain, as the choice and exploitation of more appropriate cultivars, offer periods, adoption of marketing and marketing strategies, consequently affecting the availability and commercialization of fruits. This study aimed to analyze the consumer preference of peaches and nectarines, evaluate the traits observed for their acquisition, and the marketplace where they are preferably purchased. The research was carried out from November 2016 to February 2017, using the descriptive research methodology, by Survey method and Web 2.0. A structured questionnaire was applied with closed questions. An online form questionnaire was prepared using the Google docs application and also distributed online, through the internet social Medias. 610 people participated in the survey, with predominance of consumers living in the South and Southeast regions of the country, in the age groups of 21 to 30 years old, with a predominance of female participants. Consumption is mainly in the in natura form, and often predominates certain times a year. Consumers buy these fruits mainly in the supermarkets/hypermarkets. The consumers of peaches and nectarines in Brazil have a higher preference for fruits with yellow flesh and red epidermis, followed by fruits with white flesh and intense red epidermis, both preferably with free stone. The main criteria for the acquisition of peaches and nectarines in Brazil are fruit appearance (presence and/or absence of defects, bruises, etc.); followed by price, color of epidermis and fruit size.

RESUMO O maracujazeiro azedo é uma importante fruteira amplamente produzida e consumida no Brasil. A produção e produtividade estão ameaçadas por vários problemas fitossanitários. Uns dos mais importantes é a fusariose, causada pelo fungo Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. Esta doença não tem controle eficiente. Neste sentido o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta de plantas, em estágio de muda, de 14 espécies de Passiflora mediante a inoculação de F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae cultivadas em solução nutritiva. As espécies utilizadas no Screening foram: P. quadrangularis, P. nitida, P. foetida, P. tenuifila, P. alata, P. setacea, P. cincinnata, P. mucronata, P. micropetala, P. suberosa, P. morifolia, P. eichleriana P. edulis e P. coccinea. Quatro mudas de cada genótipo foram inoculadas por imersão das raízes numa suspensão de 1x106 esporos mL-1, durante 24 horas e, em seguida, transplantada para potes contendo solução nutritiva. As plantas foram avaliadas diariamente por 40 dias para a ocorrência de sintomas de murcha e morte. Foram obtidos o período de sobrevivência e a taxa de mortalidade. O método de imersão das raízes por 24 horas e a substituição de solo por solução nutritiva foi eficiente na distinção dos genótipos resistentes. Houve variabilidade intraespecíficas em relação a doença. As espécies mais resistentes foram P. foetida. P. mucronata. P. nitida e P. morifolia.

ABSTRACT Passion fruit is an important fruit vine widely produced and consumed in Brazil. Production and productivity have been threatened by several phytosanitary problems. One of the most important problems is fusariosis, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. This disease has no efficient control. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response of plants of 14 Passiflora species, in the stage of seedling, through inoculation of F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae grown in nutritive solution. The species used in the screening were P. quadrangularis, P. nitida, P. foetida, P. tenuifila, P. alata, P. setacea, P. cincinnata, P. mucronata, P. micropetala, P. suberosa, P. morifolia P. eichleriana P. edulis and P. coccinea. Four seedlings of each genotype were inoculated by immersion of roots in a suspension of 1x106 spores mL-1 during 24 hours and then transplanted into pots containing nutritive solution. Plants were daily evaluated during 40 days for the occurrence of wilt symptoms and death. The survival period and the mortality rate were obtained. The method of root immersion for 24 hours and the replacement of soil by nutritive solution were efficient in distinguishing the resistant genotypes. There was intraspecific variability in relation to the disease. The most resistant species were P. foetida, P. mucronata, P. nitida and P. morifolia.

RESUMO O conhecimento da adaptabilidade e estabilidade da produção de frutos em diferentes locais ou anos é crucial para aumentar o potencial de produção agrícola. Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a existência de interação entre cultivares e anos, bem como avaliar a estabilidade de cultivares de pessegueiro e nectarineira quanto à massa de matéria fresca de fruto, relação SS/AT e duração de ciclo nas condições de Viçosa-MG. Para isto foram avaliadas 28 cultivares de pessegueiro e duas cultivares de nectarineira pertencentes ao pomar da Universidade Federal de Viçosa nos anos de 2011, 2012 e 2013. Foram avaliados os caracteres massa de matéria fresca de fruto, relação SS/AT e duração de ciclo e utilizados os métodos Tradicional e de Eberhart & Russell (1966) para estudo da estabilidade fenotípica no tempo. A interação cultivares x anos é significativa para todas as características. ‘Josefina’ apresenta adaptabilidade geral para relação SS/AT, e ‘Flordaprince’ e ‘Tropical’ para duração de ciclo. Para ambientes favoráveis são indicadas as cultivares ‘Capdebosq’ e ‘Maciel’ quanto à característica massa de fruto, e ‘Coral’ e ‘Talismã’ quanto à relação SS/AT. ‘Rubimel’ é indicada para ambiente desfavorável com relação à massa de fruto.

ABSTRACT Information on adaptability and stability of fruit production in different environments or years is crucial to increasing agricultural production potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is interaction between cultivars and years, as well as to assess the stability of peach and nectarine cultivars regarding fruit fresh mass, SS/TA ratio, and cycle length in Viçosa -MG, Brazil. The characteristics fruit fresh mass (FM), soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA), and cycle length (CL) were evaluated in 28 cultivars of peach and two cultivars of nectarine from the orchard of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The methods used to determine the phenotypic stability across time were Eberhart & Russell (1966) and the Traditional. The interaction cultivars x years was significant for all traits. Cultivar ‘Josefina’ showed broad adaptability for SS/TA ratio, and cultivars ‘Flordaprince’ and ‘Tropical’ for cycle length. For favorable environments, the cultivars ‘Capdebosq’ and ‘Maciel’ are indicated regarding the characteristic fruit mass, and ‘Coral’ and ‘Talismã’ for SS/TA ratio. ‘Rubimel’ was adaptable to unfavorable environments regarding fruit mass.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fruit traits and their direct and indirect effects on the content of ascorbic acid and carotenoids in peaches and nectarines. The traits fruit mass (FM); equatorial diameter (ED); suture diameter (SD); polar diameter (PD); pulp firmness (FIR); soluble solids (SS); titratable acidity (TA); SS/TA ratio; contents of ascorbic acid (AA) and carotenoids (CT); and skin and pulp color were evaluated in 28 peach cultivars, and two nectarine cultivars. The phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated (rf), and after multicollinearity diagnosis, unfolding was carried out in direct and indirect effects of the explanatory variables in the response variable by using path analysis. The strongest correlations were found between FM, SD, ED, and PD, and between carotenoid content and °h pulp. The traits considered in the path diagrams are not the main determinants of the ascorbic acid content. The yellow color of the pulp has the potential for indirect selection for carotenoid content.