Organic acids, sugars, vitamin C content and some pomological characteristics of eleven hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) from Turkey

Abstract

BackgroundThe Hawthorn (Crateagus sp.) mostly occurs around the temperate region of the world with a high number of species, producing a fruit with numerous beneficial effects for human health. The aim of the study was to determine organic acid and sugar contents in the fruit of a number of hawthorn species grown in Erzincan province of Turkey.ResultsCitric acid was the predominant organic acid in all hawthorn species and C. pseudoheterophylla had the highest citric acid content (23.688 g/100 g). There were not statistically significant differences among hawthorn species (except C. atrosanguinea Pojark) in terms of fumaric acid content. C.pontica C.Koch had a higher content of vitamin C (9.418 mg/100 g) compared to other species. Fructose was the predominant sugar component in all species and C. monogyna subsp. monogyna Joiq had the highest fructose content (18.378 g/100 g).ConclusionsThe high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source. The study revealed that there were differences in terms of fruit characteristics among hawthorn species and thus better quality hawthorn genotypes can be selected within the species. Hence, this study is considered to be a valuable reference for forthcoming studies. The high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source.

Morphological diversity of naturally grown Crataegus monogyna (Rosaceae, Maloideae) in Central Iran

“…The seed number per fruit ranged from 1 to 4, agreeing with results of Gundogdu et al (2014). Seed stone length and width ranged from 6.15 to 8.89 and 4.63 to 6.98 mm, respectively, while stone weight varied from 0.27 to 0.56 g. Gundogdu et al (2014) observed that stone weight ranged from 0.13 to 0.75 g in hawthorn.…”

“…The current study is considered to be a valuable reference for forthcoming studies on morphological characteristics of the species to find the most favorable one to introduce it into for bring them commercial production. Similar level of diversity and similar intervals of variation for tree, flower, fruit, stone, and seed traits were found in different hawthorns evaluated (Guo and Jiao 1995;Asma and Birhanli 2003;Turkoglu et al 2004;Balta et al 2006;Yanar et al 2011;Gundogdu et al 2014). Finally, the studied accessions of C. monogyna could be recognized as representative gene pool and should be a priority for conservation action in Iran so as to maintain useful biodiversity.…”

“…Seed stone length and width ranged from 6.15 to 8.89 and 4.63 to 6.98 mm, respectively, while stone weight varied from 0.27 to 0.56 g. Gundogdu et al (2014) observed that stone weight ranged from 0.13 to 0.75 g in hawthorn. Besides, seed length and width ranged from 3.70 to 6.15 and 1.23 to 3.56 mm, respectively, while seed weight varied from 0.01 to 0.03 g.…”

“…Besides, Yanar et al (2011) reported that the average fruit weight for hawthorn was between 0.65 and 4.19 g and fruit length means ranged from 10.06 mm to 18.07 mm, while fruit width varied from 9.88 to 20.39 mm. Furthermore, Gundogdu et al (2014) studied several species of hawthorn and observed that fruit weight ranged between 0.58 and 3.20 g and fruit length ranged Gundogdu et al (2014) observed that TSS ranged between 2.35 and 20 % in hawthorn. The highest and the lowest fruit flesh weights were identified, respectively, in Kashan-66 (1.63 g) and Kashan-19 (0.24 g) ( Table 1).…”

“…This trend was also observed in relation to the average values, intervals of variation and maximum/minimum ratio for most of traits. This phenomenon can be interpreted with a high degree of heterozygosity and therefore accessions genetic variability in the studied location as a result of open pollination (Gundogdu et al (2014). Fruit color was varied from light red to blackish red.…”