Abstract

Apricot production, about 2.6 million tonnes in 2005, is mainly based on traditional cultivars providing standard quality levels for this very popular and appreciated temperate fruit. However, while in many other fruit crops the aim is the standardization of the product, changes in apricot market features requires the introduction of new cultivars. A huge evolution of fruit traits has been already observed over time, with major modification of fruit quality attributes such as firmness and external colour. Breeding perspectives includes environmental adaptability, resistance to diseases and fruit quality. Apricot germplasm provides a wide choice of parental material for crossing which could offer excellent opportunities for breeding. A first important breeding tool is the development of molecular maps to tag genes and to find molecular markers associated with those genomic regions responsible of complex or polygenic traits as are those that define fruit quality. This allows the development of breeding programs based on the information about where genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are located and on marker-assisted selection (MAS). The determination of intrinsic quality can be supported by the use of rapid and non-destructive methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with olfactometry, e-nose, FT-MIR and NIR technologies. Apricot fruit quality is associated with attributes such as appearance, texture, taste and colour. Sensory evaluation coupled with consumer science can provide predictions in consumer preference trends and help breeder's decision-making in selection. This paper discusses how breeding and marketing should work more closely, developing projects based on up-to-date technologies and strategies, able to direct cultivar pursue toward the improvement of horticultural and market requirements, guarantying consumer satisfaction.