YIELD PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE LOQUAT (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) HYBRID GENOTYPES UNDER UZBEKISTAN CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study provides a scientific analysis of the yield potential of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) hybrid offspring derived from open pollination under the water-scarce and sharply continental climatic conditions of Uzbekistan. The research was conducted between 2016 and 2019 at the National Genebank of the Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (RIPGR) using trees aged 11–14 years. Ten promising hybrid genotypes, isolated through individual selection, were comparatively evaluated for productivity against a control standard (K-35235). Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variation in yield among the hybrid generations. Specifically, hybrid genotype №1/11 exhibited consistently high productivity over the four-year period (175.7 c/ha), demonstrating a statistically significant 38% superiority over the standard (difference of +48.6 c/ha, LSD0.05​=2.7 c/ha). These findings scientifically substantiate the potential for loquat breeding via seed propagation to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient cultivars. Selected genotype №1/11 is recommended as a vital primary source for regional subtropical horticulture and breeding programs.