Cornelian Cherry Germplasm Resource and Physicochemical Characterization of Its Fruit in Iran

This study was carried out to investigate of distribution and physicochemical properties of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L) fruits in Iran. Distribution of Cornelian cherry was traced on the map according to the visitation of the different provinces. In order to study the characteristics of the fruit, samples were taken from 5 different areas and different parameters were measured. In Iran, Cornelian cherry trees are spread in East Azerbaijan, Qazvin and Gilan province. In these regions, Cornelian cherry trees are grown at altitude from 300-1525 m. Despite the high nutritional value, high anthocyanin, its widespread use in medicine and the treatment of certain diseases, unfortunately, little research has been done in this fruit tree. The results showed that Fruit weight varied from 1.09 to 4.66 g, whereas seed and flash weight ranged from 0.11 to 0.4 g and 0.97 to 4.36 g respectively. The average lengths of fruits were between 13.89 and 27.87 mm, and the average widths of them were between 9.89-20.22 mm. The content of ascorbic acid ranged from 30-255 mg/ 100 g fresh weight. The total soluble solids and total acidity were 5.5-20.2% and 0.7-3% respectively. Important sources of Cornelian cherry germplasm are being lost because stands are being cut to produce walking sticks and other uses. Therefore, selecting and evaluating varieties of Cornelian cherry should be done as soon as possible.