Pomological characterization of natural grown medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) genotypes in bolu region

This study was carried out in order to determine the pomological characteristics of naturally grown medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) genotypes found in the central district of Bolu (Aşağısoku Mahallesi, Yukarısoku Village, Çele Village, Yumrukaya village, Değirmenbeli Village, Kartalkaya locality and Karacasu town). In the first (2020) year of the study, 20 genotypes with a weight above 10 g and the highest score as a result of the weighted grading were selected as hopeful as a result of the pomological examinations made from the fruit samples taken from 101 medlar genotypes. The second (2021) year from the hopeful genotypes was sampled again and the necessary fruit characteristics were examined. The mean fruit skin color values in promising genotypes are L 41.13±4.14 (S005)- 59.07±2.70 (KK008), a 14.44±0.34 (KK007)-18.68±1.36 (S006), b 21.78±2.37 (KK005)- 32.57±0.65 (KK008), Chroma 22.09±0.46 (KK004)- 36.45±1.56 (KK001) and hue was determined in the range of 48.48±0.72 (YK012)-60.88±1.38 (S002). Mean fruit weight of promising genotypes 10.66±0.36 g (KK006)-26.60±0.80 g (S005), fruit width 27.26±0.34 mm (KK006)-37.27±0 .63 mm (S006), fruit length 24.75±0.29 mm (KK006)- 37.79±0.67 mm (S005), fruit volume 9.00±0.24 ml (KK009)-25.11 ±1.21 ml (S005), fruit pulp ratio 81,53±1,12 % (S006)-90,62±2,19 % (S006), lowest fruit and flower pit depth value 6.76±0.35 mm (KK001)- 13.80±1.44 mm (S001) and fruit pit width 13.28±0.51 mm (KK001)-20.52±0.75 mm (S006). In the genotypes examined, the number of seeds was 4.78±0.15 (KK006)- 5.00±0.00 (YK011) and the seed weight was 1.48±0.08 g (KK006)- 4.80±0.18 g (S006), fruit flesh firmness was determined as 2.97±0,56 kg (YS001)-1.13±0,13 kg (YS003) Chemical properties in promising genotypes Water-soluble dry matter amount was 10.00±0.77 (YK012)- 20.40±4.26 (KK005), acidity ratio 1.08%±0.05% (YS002) and 2.34±0.21% (KK05) and pH value 3.74±0.38 (KK006) to 4.73±0.19 S003). Medlar gernotypes showed a significant variation in terms of the investigated characteristics and the 20 genotypes examined were determined as promising for future breeding studies. KEYWORDS: Bolu, Medlar, Water Soluble Dry Matter Amount, Fruit Character