Evaluation of four medlar cultivars: agronomical, pomological and qualitative traits

Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) has been recently cultivated due to good potential for diversification of fruit production among the minor pome fruits. The species is subjected to high risk of erosion, since it is characterized by low genetic diversity. However, the genetic resources of cultivated and wild medlar are not well known. In the Italian nursery industries, only a limited number of cultivars are available, often characterized by absence of genetic fidelity. Therefore, a collection of the available medlar varieties has been established at the Experimental Orchard of Tuscia University, to carry out their pomological characterization and the evaluation of fruit quality and agronomical performance. Objectives -- The study has been focused on vegetative and productive behavior of the cultivars and on pomological traits, organic acids, sugars and sensory profile of the fruits. Material and methods -- The investigated cultivars were 'Gigante, 'Precoce', 'Comune' and 'Goccia' All the genotypes were grafted onto clonal quince rootstock BA29 (Cydonia obfonpn L.). Three replications for each variety were randomly distributed in the field. The trees were trained in a free vase form. Soil was ordinarily managed for weed control, and drip irrigation supply was ensured during the summer period. Results and conclusion -- The cultivar 'Comune' characterized by a high yield efficiency and good fruit quality, seems suitable for the establishment of specialized orchards for commercial purposes, while the cultivar 'Gigante, characterized by low productivity, could be interesting mainly for ornamental purposes.