Genetic diversity of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) accessions selected from north Eastern Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out between 2011-2013 years, on the mulberry population of G?m??hane province and aimed to select promising white mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes according to main mulberry breeding criteria. Fruit samples were taken from 62 white mulberry genotypes in the first year and 54 in the second year. In fruit samples of selected promising white mulberry genotypes pomological and technological traits were investigated. Results indicated high diversity among selected genotypes for most of the pomological and technological traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 1.41 g (KU18) to 5.47 g (GUM23); Soluble Solid Content (SSC) from 10.07% (TO23) to 26.60% (GUM20); taste and aroma scores from 2.56 (GUM1) to 10.00 (TO29); fruit juice yield from 47.70% (GUM 20) to 92.44% (TO26); dried fruit yield from 11.99% (TO31) to 30.93% (TO23); fruit diameter from 11.25 mm (TO5) to 18.23 mm (KU7); fruit length from 17.84 mm (KU21) to 33.95 mm (KU7); stalk length from 4.41mm (GUM17) to 16.10 mm (GUM20), respectively. After assessment at the end of the study, 9 genotypes were found suitable for table consumption, 10 genotypes for molasses processing and 13 genotypes for drying.