Characterization and selection of indigenous fruit variants in the Eastern Black Sea region (Turkey) for future breeding

Abstract

The Turkish province of Rize, in the Eastern Black Sea Region, is very rich in natural diversity. Its districts are home to a wide range of landrace fruit species including whortleberry, Caucasian whortleberry, aromatic black grapes, apples, pears, tangerines, chestnuts, plums, and quinces. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of fruit trees and bushes in the province of Rize and determine the natural expansion area of various species. The survey also recorded morphological characterizations of existing genotypes and allowed for the propagation of interesting accessions for ex situ conservation. Trial plots were created for the preservation and curation of the local fruit varieties that were observed. Disease resistance, ease of vegetative propagation, and fruit quality of these accessions were also examin.