Point selection and molecular characterization of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) genotypes in Antalya Serik region

This thesis, conducted from 2022 to 2024, aimed to identify superior genotypes from the naturally growing carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) population in the Serik district of Antalya Province, based on fruit and seed characteristics. A total of 45 carob genotypes were selected from eight different locations within the district, focusing on traits associated with productivity, snack quality, and industrial suitability. Phenological, morphological, pomological and biochemical properties of the selected genotypes were determined. Additionally, molecular characterization of these genotypes was performed. According to three years of averaged data, the genotypes' fruit weights ranged from 6.01 to 24.13 g; fruit thickness, from 4.42 to 10.11 mm; fruit pulp yield, from 59.00 to 95.45%; seed number, from 4.70 to 13.73; and seed weight, from 0.86 to 2.00 g. The seed yield ranged from 4.54% to 40.99%, and the seed weight ranged from 0.86 to 2.64 g. According to the two-year average data, the total sugar amount of the genotypes varied between 35.91-66.23%, total phenolic substance amount between 683.94-1615.14 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid amount between 17.73-77.53 mg CAE/100 g and antioxidant amount between 83.17-91.86%. Chrome* and hueo angle values were then calculated. The genotypes with the highest scores were selected as promising based on the modified weighted-rankit method conducted for both snacking and industrial use. In the molecular characterization study conducted with ISSR markers, a total of 51 scoreable bands were obtained. Three of the bands obtained were monomorphic, and 48 were polymorphic. The polymorphism rate was 94.11%.