EVALUATION OF OLD APPLE VARIETIES GROWN IN THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF ROMANIA

Old apple cultivars, either originating from Romania or of foreign origin but grown widely in this region, were examined to provide a characterisation of the varieties. The aim of the thesis was to observe and evaluate the phenological, and morphological traits of the old apple cultivars using the following methods as: observation of flowering phenology traits and the classification of the cultivars into flowering time groups; characterisation of the gene bank collection and the determination of diversity using morphological markers; preparation of a number-coded characterisation based on the morphological and biological traits laid down in the UPOV guidelines. Identified and collected material provides the initial genetic source for variety improvement. Using the observations and determinations made, we identified the potential genitors for different useful characteristics that we used in controlled intra and interspecific hybridizing. Researchers constant concern refers to preserving, coplotting, periodically reorganizing and assessing the biological and agrochemical characteristics of each genotype, the exchange of biological material into the restricted manner and the assessment of the potential genitors for some useful characteristics used in genetic breeding programs.