Determination of Some Pomological Features of Bilberries (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.) Native To Sarıkamış (Kars), Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate some physical and chemical properties of wild bilberry fruits collected from Sarıkamış forest of Kars province in Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. For this purpose, berry width, berry length, berry weight, pH, titratable acidity content (TAC), soluble solid content (SSC), taste, aroma, L*, a*, and b* color values were measured based on 4 replications of 20 fruit samples each from 20 plant genotypes. The results were interpreted on average values. Average values for width, length, weight, pH, TAC, SSC, taste, aroma and L*, a*, b* color values of berries were found as: 9.12 mm, 8.02 mm, 5.08 g, 2.22, 2.70%, 7.41%, 2.95, 3.00, 14.88, 1.72 and 0.06, respectively. Range values for the corresponding characteristics were determined as: 7.55 to 10.37 mm, 6.95 to 9.80 mm, 3.00 to 7.00 g, 2.04 to 2.60 %, 2.40 to 3.00 %, 6.00 to 8.50, 2.00 to 4.00, 13.24 to 16.30, 1.004 to 3.04 and -1.98 to 3.87, respectively (There is no aroma interval between these values). The current research is a preliminary evaluation for some physical and chemical characteristics of wild bilberries native to Sarıkamış district. Consequently, more detailed studies should be conducted on further physical and chemical characteristics of bilberries for breeding purposes and to gain baseline knowledge on the flora of Turkey. © 2019, Centenary University. All rights reserved.