Fruit characteristics of some selected promising rose hip (Rosa spp.) genotypes from Van region of Turkey

A few temperate zone fruit species such as apples, pears, apricots and cherries dominate the fruit production in Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey, while the other species (e. g rose hip, hawthorn, sea buckthorn etc.) are less known. Native species grown in their natural ecosystems could be exploited as new foods, valuable natural compounds and derivatives. In the last few years, interest in the rose hip as a fruit crop has increased considerably due to its nutritive and health promoting values. The study was conducted between 2005 and 2006. Among 5000 natural growing rose hip plants around the Van region were examined and among them 26 genotypes were selected. Thirteen genotypes belong to Rosa canina. The fruit weight, length and width of genotypes were ranged between 1.79-4.95 g; 15.28-33.83 mm and 13.11-19.26 mm, respectively. Soluble solid content ranged from 17.73% (VRS132) to 28.45% (VRS 234). Ascorbic acid levels ranged between 517 to 1032 mg/100 ml. The phenotypically divergent genotypes identified in this study could be of much use in the future breeding program.