Variability in physical and chemical characteristics of Cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) from Romanian Oltenia region’s spontaneous flora and role of the climatic conditions

Abstract

High variability in populations of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) from spontaneous flora is an important genetic source for propagation and breeding programs. This study aimed to provide information on the state of genetic resources in C. mas in Romania and on physical–chemical characteristics of fruits in selected genotypes. Over 2 years of study, significant differences in morphometric characteristics were observed. Notably, fruit weight and pulp percentage varied between 1.0 and 2.67 g and between 66.71 and 90.02%, respectively, and a high variability in chemical composition of fruit pulp among population was also observed. The relationships between different morphometric characteristics of fruits confirmed the influence of fruit size on the fruit weight and pulp percentage. Selection and study of C. mas L. genotypes in Oltenia region’s spontaneous flora was shown to be useful for introducing the most valuable selections in commercial exploitation.