Determination of Pomological Characters and Phenolic Compounds of Cornelian Cherry Genotypes

Articles in Press
Authors
Tuba Bak
Berna DOĞRU ÇOKRAN
Turan KARADENİZ
Pamukkale University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Çivril, Denizli, Türkiye
Abstract
Cornelian cherry is a fruit noted for its attractive appearance, unique flavor, and rich phenolic content. This study aimed to understand the effects of genotypic differences and altitude on fruit quality by thoroughly examining the pomological and phenolic characteristics of cornelian cherry genotypes selected at different altitudes using principal component analysis (PCA) and heat map methods. The high-altitude G2 genotype stood out with the highest fruit weight and soluble solids content. While catechin was the dominant phenolic compound in all genotypes, genotypes G1 and G2 stood out with their high levels of gallic and syringic acid. PCA and heat map analyses clearly showed that the high-altitude G1 and G2 clustered together with similar traits. At the same time, the low-altitude G4 exhibited distinct profiles focused on high acidity and pit width, and G3 on fruit and pit sizes and various phenolics. These findings highlight the diversity and breeding potential of cranberry genotypes and also reveal that altitude is a factor determining pomological properties and phenolic compound content.

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