Performance of Selected Hawthorn Genotypes under Malatya Ecological Conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing seasons to determine the phenological, pomological, and yield characteristics of 15 different hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) genotypes grown under the ecological conditions of Malatya, Türkiye. The research was carried out on 10-12-year-old trees at the Malatya Apricot Research Institute. Observations revealed that flowering occurred between early April and early May, while the harvest period took place from late September to early October. According to the pomological analysis, fruit weight ranged from 1.02 to 13.38 g, the flesh-to-seed ratio (fruit flesh ratio) varied between 69.94% and 89.37%, and the soluble solids content (SSC) was measured between 10.45% and 20.21%. Yield values per tree were calculated to be in the range of 22.88–34.86 kg. As a result of the research, the H14, F17, and D11 genotypes, which exhibited superior performance in terms of yield and fruit quality parameters, were identified as promising candidates for regional cultivation and future breeding programs.