Adaptability of key quantitative traits in Chaenomeles genotypes and their potential health benefits

The genus Chaenomeles belongs to the Rosaceae family (Pomoideae subfamily). The plant has been used for ages to treat cardiovascular conditions, rheumatism, gout, and anaemia. In conditions of considerable increase of the negative impact of the environment on fruit production in fruit species, the inclusion of new material with increased adaptability to environmental factors in the selection process is a significant biological resource for successful priority management in modern selection programs. The adaptability assessment of 10 Chaenomeles genotypes in the conditions of the Central Balkan Mountain by different methods and parameters shows on the one hand that a clear favorite among them could not be determined, and on the other hand the different quantitative traits received different adaptability assessments. It was found that the genotype factor had the strongest impact on the phenotypic manifestation of the key quantitative traits. The environment as a factor is of secondary significance. The most adaptable to environmental conditions with high total adaptability for diameter and fruit height were G3 (7.91, 10.28) and G11 (6.56 and 11.22), whereas G2 (35.30, 42.75, 5.85, 1.64) and G3 (46.30, 53.92, 13.23, 3.96) were for shrub height, shrub diameter, fruit weight/shrub and fruit yield. According to the last two traits, G2 and G3 were also characterized by high values of genetic flexibility. Determination of homeostasis and stress resistance in terms of fruit weight/shrub and fruit yield gave high assessments to specimens, such as G1', G2', G5' and G6'. They are distinguished by high selective value as follows: G2 (156.81, 208.44, 7.02) and G 3 (133.29, 197.19, 4.49) in height and diameter of the shrub and fruit weight/shrub, G2 (33.77) and G6' (24.30) in fruit diameter, G6' (32.95) and G1' (32.37) in fruit height, G6' (8.42) in fruit yield. The fruit yield values and the parameters, such as general adaptability and selective value, determine genotypes G6', G3 and G2 as suitable for growing in the conditions of the Central Balkan Mountain, as well as for their use as initial parental forms in selection programs.