Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of cornelian cherries naturally growing in Bolu province

This study was carried out to determine the morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of cornelian cherries growing naturally in the flora of Bolu province. According to the two-year average data obtained in the study, the fruit weights of the genotypes were determined between 1,44 g (14BL47) – 3,37 g (14BL61), seed weights between 0,19 g (14BL10)-1,13 g (14BL05). When the organic acid content of the fruits was examined, it was observed that the malic acid content was the highest and followed by vitamin C and tartaric acid, respectively. Among the specific phenolics, gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic, syringic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, o-coumaric, ferulic, rutin and quercetin amounts were determined by HPLC and ellagic acid, catechin and chlorogenic acid were determined as prominent compounds. Total anthocyanin content showed great variation between genotypes and ranged from 3,79 (14BL06) to 77,65 (14BL36) µg cy-3-glu/g. Total antioxidant capacity in fruits was determined by two methods, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAK) and iron reduction antioxidant capacity (FRAP). TEAK values were found to be between 4,14 (14BL08)-11,03 (14BL61) µmol TE/g and FRAP values between 3,37 (14BL08)-10,50 (14BL61) µmol TE/g. iPBS retrotransposon markers were used in genetic analyzes of cornelian cherries and iPBS markers were found to be successful in revealing genetic differences between genotypes. Genotypes were clustered in 3 groups in the family tree and genetic polymorphism was detected between them. As a result, it has been revealed that there are rich cornelian cherry gene resources in the Bolu region and the use of these materials in breeding studies is important for the development and protection of our country's biodiversity.