Abstract
The northeastern Anatolia region of Turkey is one of the richest plant biodiversity areas in Turkey. This study describes some important tree and fruit characteristics of 20 seed-propagated summer apple genotypes from northeastern Anatolia using morphological and biochemical markers. The genotypes were evaluated morphologically for tree growth habit, ripening date, fruit weight, fruit firmness, fruit shape, fruit color, fruit taste, juiciness and aroma. The biochemical characteristics measured were organic acids, SSC (soluble solid content), titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. We found significant differences for most of the morphological and biochemical characteristics. The genotypes exhibited quite diverse harvest dates ranging from 4 July to 16 August. Summer apple genotypes had fruit weight between 101.9 g and 133.5 g. The genotypes had diverse fruit shapes, including round, conic and oblate, and over fruit colours such as pink, red, yellow and green. Genotypes GUM7 and GUM13 stood out for fruit weight, SSC, total phenolic and antioxidant capacity. GUM7 and GUM13 present dissimilarity from the other genotypes. While the first showed a lower average fruit weight, SSC, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, the second revealed higher average of fruit weight, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and higher SSC. Due to their favorable characteristics, GUM13 can be used for further crosses with genotypes of other groups, which also present favorable characteristics.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilAnatolia is known as the origin center of several horticultural plants [1,2,3,4]
The majority of genotypes were harvested in July but only four genotypes, including GUM12, GUM13, GUM14 and GUM19, were harvested in August
GUM14 was harvested on 16 August, and this indicates a 10–14-day-later harvest than GUM12, GUM13 and GUM19
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilAnatolia is known as the origin center of several horticultural plants [1,2,3,4]. Since 2002, global apple production has significantly increased by a total of 30% and significant apple producers in the European Union such as Poland and Turkey have increased production, contributing to the overall supply to the European market. E.g., China, India, Chile, South Africa and Brazil, are increasing their production and the USA, Italy and Argentina have maintained their production at a stable level. Apple production in Germany is stable, slightly increasing, and in Russia it is increasing, as fruit imports from Europe and Canada are banned [6,7]. Apple fruits attract consumers for their appearance and pleasant flavor and available market year around due to their high storability capacity [8,9]
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