Abstract

This study was carried out to determine pomological and phenological characteristics of eleven promising rose hip (Rosa) genotypes chosen from wild populations in Tokat region of northern Anatolia, Turkey. Plants were propagated by cuttings and planted in 2000 at the research station of the Horticultural Department of Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey. Fruit characteristics and phenological observations were recorded from 2006 - 2007. Mean fruit weight ranged from 2.3 g to 5.1 g, the proportion of flesh in fruits varied between 66.0 and 80.2%, mean seeds number per fruit numbered was between 12.8 and 35.6, the vitamin C content varied between 190 and 1223 mg/100 g, and the total soluble solids varied from 15.3 to 26.0%. The results confirmed that some of the genotypes selected, such as MR-12, MR-15, MR-26, MR-84 and YL-04, were suitable for cultivation and qualified for registry by the National Variety Registration and Seed Certification Centre of Turkey for commercial production of rose hips.

Key words: Rosa, pomology, rose hip.