Investigation of the effects of different harvest periods on changes in the physical and chemical content of the fruits in some mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes grown in Malatya

This study was conducted in the Mulberry Genetic Resources Parcel and Laboratories of Malatya Apricot Research Institute between 2018 and 2019 in order to examine the physical and chemical changes of four different mulberry genotypes in different harvest periods. For this purpose, Arapgir 0011, Elazığ Çekirdeksiz 3, İstanbul Dutu (24-12), Yediveren (24-08) mulberry genotypes were considered as plant material and the variation of physical and chemical components in eleven different harvest periods was investigated. Among the physical parameters, fruit weight, fruit size, fruit diameter, fruit color (wet and dry), and within the scope of chemical parameters, Brix, pH, titrable acid content, total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compund content, specific sugar analyzes were performed. In addition, the must yield and drying efficiency were determined in the fruit samples harvested in each harvest period. As a result of the study, the average fruit weights of the genotypes ranged between 1.23 g and 3.19 g at different harvest periods, and the fruit diameter and fruit height varied between 11.36 – 16.04 mm and 19.71 – 24.98 mm respectively. Brix value, which is one of the most important chemical quality traits, was found to be the highest in Yediveren (24-08) genotype with 26.80%. While there were no significant differences in L * color values of fresh fruits, the highest average L * color values of dried fruits were found in Yediveren (24-08) and Istanbul Mulberry (24-12) genotypes, respectively, with an average of 35.80 and 37.08. Brix, drying efficiency, a * color value and sugar composition values in fresh fruit increased as the harvest period was delayed, while the must yield and L * and b * color values decreased in fresh fruits.