A new kernel-used apricot cultivar Jingren 5 by distant hybridization

Abstract: Kernel-used apricot is outstanding in its resistance to cold, drought and barrenness. It is widely applied in the ecological environment construction of the Three North Regions in China, and plays an irreplaceable role in the agricultural economy development and natural environment protection of the mountainous areas. Kernel-used apricot industry has a huge scale and potential in China. Compared to foreign excellent almond cultivars, both the yield and the average single kernel mass of the main cultivated kernel-used apricot in China are lower. However, the planting areas of almond are very limited for the difficulty in adapting to climate and environmental conditions in China. In order to get a new germlpasm combining advantage of almond and kernel- used apricot in the yield, the quality of kernel, the multi-resistance and wide adaptability, we conducted the distant hybridization between kernel-used apricot and almond and obtained F1 progenies. Through evaluation and selection of the hybrid progenies for many years, a series of new varieties of kernel- used apricot were bred including Jingren 5. Jingren 5 was derived from the cross of Longwangmao × Italy 2 and as a new cultivar it was released finally. The plant variety right was granted by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in April 2023. The fruit of Jingren 5 is ovoid with convex apex and the fruit has yellow ground color and red color on sunny side when it matures. The shell was ovoid with smooth shell surface and plump kernel. The average longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter and side diameter of the single shell are 3.28 cm, 2.12 cmand 1.23 cm, respectively, and the fresh shell weight is 2.54 g. The kernel is sweet and large with average single fresh weight of 1.05 g and dry weight of 0.90 g, and the average longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter and side diameter of single kernel are 2.19 cm, 1.40 cm and 0.74 cm, respectively. The kernel contains fat 435.63 g · kg- 1 , protein 269.84 g · kg- 1 , Ca 1.26 g · kg- 1 and Fe 24.08 mg · kg- 1 . The shelling percentage was 37.02% . In Pinggu district of Beijing, the full- blossom period is from late March to early April, with the flowering period of 5-7 days; the leaf expansion is in mid-to-late April; the fruit ripening is in mid-to-late July, and the fruit development period is about 105 days; the leaf falling is in mid-to-late November, and an annual growth period lasts about 220 days. Jingren 5 has strong sprouting power and starts to bear fruit in the second year after high grafting. It has good yield and stability without biennial fruiting. For its poor self-fertile ability, the pollinator trees are necessary when planting.