THE TECHNIQUE OF MAIN COMPONENTS IN THE ANALYSIS AND SELECTION OF CREOLE PEACHES IN CHOLULA, PUEBLA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to utilize the technique of Principal Components to facilitate the interpretation and analysis of the information on native peaches (Prunus persica L.), in order to identify the superior selections for fruit yield and quality. Selection criteria were: yield and fruit quality quality. Selection criteria were: yield and fruit quality as expressed by firmness, skin and flesh colors. The statistical analysis was performed by age groups. In the first group (1-10 years) the best selections were 84-22-1 and 84-23-1; for de second group (11-20 years) the best selections were 84-16-1, 84-17-1, and 84-25-1; for the third group (older than 21 years) the best selection was 84-30-2. The analysis of Principal Componentes helped to cluster and identify the best selections in every group; it also was a good tool to identify the most important variables for this study. The Principal Components were associated with tree age, yield, taste, and fruit quality.