SELECTION STUDIES ON LOQUAT GROWING IN BAKRAS (HATAY), TURKEY

This study was aimed at selecting valuable genetic resources of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) in Bakras (Hatay) a region located on the Mediterranean part of Turkey. Loquat germplasm was studied, among the genotypes characterized, and 13 were selected for future breeding purposes. Fruit traits as size, skin color, seed number, flesh/seed ratio, total soluble solid and titrable acidity were determined. The traits were scored by comparison with 'Hafif Cukurgobek' (‘HCG’), which is an important and common local loquat cultivar in Turkey. Some selected genotypes as ‘Type 4’ and ‘Type 7’, produced larger fruits than ‘HCG’. Diversity in all characteristics studied was found. The genotypes studied ranged between 20.5 g to 39.2 g in fruit weight, 29.8 mm to 40.7 mm in fruit width and 32.6 mm to 41.6 mm in fruit length. Average seed weight per fruit ranged from 2.9 to 7.4 g, average number of seeds per fruit ranged from 2.0 to 5.5. Flesh/seed ratio founded in the genotypes studied was 3.48 to 5.10. Total soluble solid contents ranged from 8.20 to 13.22%, whereas titratable acidity ranged from 0.50 to 1.36%. Fruit shape, skin and flesh showed diversity too. In conclusion, our results demonstrate high variability on fruit characteristics among loquat germplams in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.