Morphological characterization and chemical composition of fruits of the chestnut cultivars and genotypes under the conditions of bursa

In this study, 17 local varieties/genotypes and 1 hybrid (Castanea sativa x Castanea crenata) varieties which were cultivated under Bursa ecological conditions and distinguished by selection studies in different ecologies, had detailed pomological investigations in 18 chestnut cultivars/genotypes chemical content analysis and differences were determined . The harvesting period of the cultivars/genotypes varied between 25 September and 20 October. Fruit width 28,68-40,96 mm, length 22,64-37,47 mm and height 16,32-26,48 mm measured and the largest fruits' Marigoule ',' N-7-3 ',' Gavuraşı 'and' Sarıaşlama ' and ' Serdar ',' Seyrekdiken 'and' N-23-1 'cultivars/genotypes were found to have the smallest fruits. Cultivars/genotypes fruit weight 8.21-19.98 grams, the number of nuts per kilogram 50-120 number, the number of nuts per burr 1.6-2.8 number, shell thickness was found to vary between 0.266-0.542 mm. The shape of chestnut fruits were examined according to UPOV (2017) criteria and classified as medium oblate, broad oblate, circular, and also evaluated in terms of hilum size, shell color and brightness, testa peelability, end hairiness, style length and embryo characteristics. Size index was calculated by fruit measurements. However, the amount of chemical content of the fruits of the chestnut cultivars/genotypes were determined and significant differences were found on the basis of cultivars. Chestnut cultivars/genotypes fruit moisture 41.28-53.95%, shell mouisture %29,37-%52,81 total carbohydrates 47.23-76.45%, starch 29.33-56.72%, total sugar 13.24%-20.26%, invert sugar 1,87-3,62%, sucrose 9,69-22,05%, protein was found to change in the ratio of 3.98-6.43%. In order to determine the morphological similarities of the 18 cultivars/genotypes in the study, 21 characteristics were taken as basis and the level of similarity between them varied between 79.50-95.95%. Thus, the varieties suitable for the region were identified, detailed pomological characteristics were identified in the fruits of the varieties and thus new information on the genetic diversity of chestnut was obtained.