The investigations on effect of some ecological factors on plant and fruit properties in whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) populations naturally growing in Firtina River basin

In this study, the effects some ecological factors on vegetative and generative characteristics of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. and soil properties were investigated in Fırtına River Basin, Rize. For this purpose, 30 experimental sites were taken in three different levels of altitude, in two different geological formations (Kaçkar and Çatak) and stand closure (0% , and 40-60 %). A total of 267 soil samples were taken in the experiment sites. Some physical and chemical soil analysis (such as: sand, silt and clay ratio, bulk density, total porosity, available water, pH, soil organic matter, total nitrogen) were done in laboratorys. In addition plant height, number of stems in m2, leaf width, leaf length and leaf area, LMA, fruit width, length and weight, total polyphenol and antioxidant activity were determined.As a result of, while lower pH and clay ratio were determined in heath sites than heath+forest sites, total nitrogen, total porosity and soil organic matter were higher in heath sites than heath+forest sites. 100 fruit weight, number of stems per unit area and LMA were decreased in heath+forest sites than heath sites. According to elevation while the LMA values changed irregularly, plant height, number of stems per unit area and leaf area decrease. Positive corelation was determined between total polyphenol and altitude.