Assessing the Aromatic and Quality Components of a Novel Peach Genotype ('Sırrı') Grafted onto Various Rootstocks in the Lapseki Area

This study examines how various rootstocks affect the pomological, biochemical, and aroma contents of the local ‘Sırrı’ peach genotype grown in the Lapseki region of Türkiye. The research focused on peach trees grafted onto three distinct rootstocks: ‘Seedling’, ‘GF-677’ (P. persica × P. amygdalus), and ‘Rootpac-R’ (P. cerasifera × P. amygdalus). The results showed that peaches from the ‘Seedling’ and ‘GF-677’ rootstocks had larger sizes, greater weights, and brighter colors compared to those from ‘Rootpac-R’. Furthermore, the rootstocks impacted essential quality factors such as soluble solid content, firmness, fruit–flesh ratio, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content levels. The analysis of volatile compounds indicated that aldehydes (which varied from 67.02% to 63.74%), lactones (which changed from 9.14% to 7.99%), and esters (which changed from 12.51% to 11.92%) were the major aroma types in ‘Sırrı’ peaches, with the ‘GF-677’ rootstock exhibiting amplified fruity and sweet aromas due to increased lactone levels. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the significant effects of rootstocks on both pomological and biochemical characteristics, with ‘Seedling’ showing elevated biophenol levels and ‘GF-677’ contributing to a firmer texture. These findings underscore the importance of rootstock choice in enhancing fruit quality and aroma, indicating that the ‘Sırrı’ genotype is highly suitable for commercial production and future breeding efforts.