Pomological and phenological characteristics of local sweet cherry varieties (Prunus avium L.) grown in Çanakçi (Giresun, Türkiye)

Abstract

In this study various local varieties of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) grown in the province of Çanakçı (Turkey) and facing the danger of extinction were evaluated for their phenological, pomological and morphological characteristics. Eight local types as White cherry, Crisp cherry, Niksar cherry, Buttermilk cherry, Alahnazc cherry, Çal cherry, Tönlük cherry, Orak cherry and 28 ÇN 01 type which is engrafted with Orak cherry were selected for study. The opinions of leader farmers and old people, whose expertise on fruit growing was approved by everyone in the villages, were taken into consideration. The genotypes used in the research were selected from 10-60-year-old cherry trees. Phenological examinations were carried out by taking into consideration the beginning of proliferate, beginning of blooming, full flowering, end of flowering and harvest. Pomological examinations were carried out by taking into consideration fruit dimensions and shape, fruit colour, sensory and chemical properties and seed characteristics. The fruit weight ranges between 2.56 g and 4.83 g; the ratio of fruit flesh – between 89.68% and 92.11%; fruit volume – between 2.30 ml/kg and 4.55 ml/kg; fruit size – between 15.65 mm and 20.46 mm. The flavors of the varieties and types were distributed in four groups as poor, moderate, good, and tasty. As a result of this examination, it was established that 28 ÇN 01 type, Niksar cherry and Orak cherry are more preferable than the other types.