This work aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity among seventeen peach progenies and 687 seedlings. The most important characteristics in the genetic divergence evaluation of fruit quality traits were calculated by using a multivariate analysis. Trials were carried out at the Experimental Station of Aula Dei (CSIC), Zaragoza - Spain. Traits such as yield, fruit number per tree, fruit weight, epidermis coloration, firmness, fruit height, suture diameter (SD), cheek diameter (CD), CD/SD ratio, soluble solids content (SSC, ºBrix), pH, titratable acidity (TA) and SSC/TA index, were evaluated. Yield, fruit number per tree and fruit weight were the characteristics that contributed the most for genetic divergence. Based on this evaluation, hybridizations between superior genotypes from VADAC 0055, VADAC 0027, VADAC 0036, VADAC 0063 and VADAC 0065 populations were recommended.
Variability; Prunus persica; peach breeding
