Comparison of Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of “Sarı Lop” Fig Cultivar Grown in Different Ecological Regions
Abstract
“Sarı Lop” fig (Ficus carica L.) that fruits are of very high quality is the world-famous dried fig cultivar most grown in Turkey. It is intensively cultivated Egean region of Turkey, espicially in Aydın and İzmir provinces. This study compared the pomological and biochemical characteristics of fruits of “Sarı Lop” fig cultivar grown in the four provinces, which have different regional ecology of Türkiye (Aydın, Bursa, Isparta and İzmir). Fruit samples were harvested at commercial maturity, ensuring homogeneity in ripeness and health. Morphological traits, including fruit weight, length, and width, as well as peel color parameters (L*, a*, b*), were measured. Biochemical analyses were performed to determine pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA). Significant variations were observed among provinces, with Aydın and İzmir figs exhibiting larger size, higher TSS, and elevated TPC, TFC, and AA levels, whereas Isparta and Bursa fruits showed comparatively smaller size and lower biochemical contents. These results indicate that the ecology of the region where figs are grown may have an effect on fruit quality and biochemical contents. The study underscores the importance of considering regional cultivation ecology in fig production and breeding programs aimed at improving fruit quality, nutritional value, and functional properties.
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