Selection of large-fruited triploid plants of loquat

A comparison of horticultural characteristics was made between 9-year-old open-pollinated seedlings of 45 triploid loquats (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) and their corresponding open-pollinated diploid seed parents. Six triploids based on large fruit were considered super strains: 3x H324 from 2x 'Rantiaobaisha', 3x D425 and D327 from 2x 'Jinfeng', and 3x A313, A322, and A35 from 2x 'Dawuxing'. Fruits of triploids were seedless, with thicker flesh and edible flesh averaging 84% as compared to 64% for the diploid seed parents. Average fruit weight of triploids averaged 48.9% higher than corresponding diploids. Fruit quality of triploids reached levels required by the industry.