EFFECTS OF DROUGHT STRESS ON APPLE CULTIVARS WITH POLYGENIC AND MONOGENIC SCAB RESISTANCE

The ability of apple trees to tolerate drought with the least losses becomes key in the conditions of the modern climate. Investigating the indicators of water retention capacity and restoration of hydration, the potential of certain cultivars’ resistance to this unfavorable abiotic environmental factor has been established. In the course of research, no differences were found between apple cultivars with polygenic and monogenic resistance to scab in the way plants react to drought. The cultivars ‘Pamyati Nesterova’, ‘Frigate’ and ‘Blagovest’ with the least loss of water during drying (up to 10.0 %) and intensive rehydration of tissues during saturation (up to 100 %) have been identified. The noted genotypes can be recommended for use in further breeding for drought resistance.