QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF INTRODUCED PEACH VARIETIES INHERZEGOVINA
Summary The paper presents three year research on qualitative characteristics of introduced peach varieties: Maycrest, Spring Lady, Rich Lady and Elegant Lady, and standard variety Springcrest in Herzegovina. The varieties were described according to the method of the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), including subjective assessment. The highest marks for attractive fruit were given to the varieties Rich Lady and Elegant Lady, that are characterized by extremely large fruit, attractive blush colour, and easy stone adherence. Early and medium ripening varieties (Maycrest and Springcrest) are characterized by extremely firmness of flesh which provides greater transportability. The highest stone cracking was found for variety Maycrest, the lowest was noticed for Elegant lady, while the other varieties have medium stone cracking (mark 5). Concerning stone adherence, clingstone was found for the varieties Maycrest and Springcrest, semi-freestone was noticed for the variety Spring Lady, while varieties Rich Lady and Elegant Lady had free stones, actually it is completely free from flesh, characteristic which is highly appreciated by consumers. Key words: peach, fruit, flesh, stone