Available on-line at http://www.bjbabe.ro Banats Journal of Biotechnology 2012, III(6),
INVESTIGATIONS OF CHAENOMELES JAPONICA (THUNB.) LINDL. IN THE REGION OF CENTRAL BALKANS
DOI: 10.7904/2068 – 4738 – III(6) – 43
Teodora MIHOVA1, Violeta KONDAKOVA2, Penka MONDESHKA1
1Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture – Troyan, 281, Vassil Levsky Str., 5600 Troyan, Bulgaria 2AgroBioInstitute, Blvd. Dragan Tsankov 8, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria E–mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The characterization of genetic resources of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl, spread in the region of Central Balkans, aims to assess its complex of biological, biochemical, biotechnology and metabolic properties. The fruits of this plant species are characterized by a rich content of biologically active substances having greater importance to human health and food industry. Determination of metabolic parameters of the spectrum depending on the environmental area, the method of generation and storage of fruit is defined as self– direction at the Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture–Troyan.
Key words: Chaenomeles sp., genotype, fruits, quality, phenologycal calendar, yield, reproductive characteristics, biochemical parameters
Introduction suitability for complex food, medical and Chaenomeles sp. belongs to the decorative purposes are cause for family Rosaceae. They are native to growing–growing interest in this culture China, Tibet and Japan. First examples [MONDESHKA, 2005]. from Japanese quince (Chaenomeles The aim of this work is the japonica) with red–orange colors were characterization of genotypes of found in the mountains of Japan in 1784 Chaenomeles sp. included in collection by Carl Peter Tunberg–а doctor, Swedish plantations of the Reaearch Institute of botanist. He has worked in a Dutch Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture– company that has studied the species in Troyan (RIMSA) and selection of samples Asian countries. Similarity to the pear tree suitable for growing conditions in the gives him reason to give the name of the Central Balkan Mountains. species Pyrus japonica. Later the name was changed to Cydonia japonica. Material and Methods In 1794, English botanist Joseph In RIMSA Troyan was created a Banks imported species from China and collection of 410 varieties of genotypes of introduced the present name of the genus Chaenomeles japonica, produced by seed Chaenomeles. In Bulgaria this plant is propagation. During the period 2007– known with the synonyms Japanese 2010 were characterized 10 genotypes by quince, mountain lemon, “jabalche”, etc. an attractive blooms, attractive fruit with a and is widespread mainly as ornamental rich chemical composition and high shrubs. There are reports that Japanese fertility. quince is cultivated and used from ancient The following indicators were times for food and in traditional medicine traced: [TIITS, 1989; TICS, 1992; MEZHENSYKIY, 1998; 2002; Phenological calendar–the phases: bud KVIKLYS, 2003; RUMPUNEN, 2003]. bursting, beginning of flowering, full In Bulgaria, Japanese quince began flowering and end of flowering; to be used as food and medicinal plant beginning of fruit ripening; only in the last two–three decades. Its Shrub dimensions–height and average relatively easy propagation and cultivation diameter (cm), measured once at the Indifference to it soil and climate, and its end of vegetation; 43 Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timisoara, Contact: web: http://www.bjbabe.ro, e-mail: bjb@usab–tm.ro
Yield (kg per genotype); The average annual temperature is Average weight of a fruit (g); and +9.8°C. The average annual precipitation 2 Fruit dimensions of: height, diameter is 759.1 mm/m . The prevalence of gray (mm), mezokarp (mm) and yield (%). forest soils are in a different capacity of Chemical analysis of fruit for the the soil profile and major expressed determination of: gleying process. The soil is characterized Dry matter–refractometrically after RE by strong average humus horizon, (D.M. %); medium sandy clay mechanical structure. Total sugars, sucrose, inverted sugar The profile is powerful and well expressed after Schoorl (%); differentiation. Below the humus horizon follows a deep iluvial "B" horizon [DINKOVA, Organic acids–titrimetric with 0.1 n 2009]. NaOH (%); Plantations are established by Tannins after Leventhal–Neubauer (%); stocking organic fertilization. Grown without irrigation, without a Pectin (%)–after Melitz; plant protection. The shrubs were planted Anthocyanins (%) after Fuleky and at 3.00 x 1.00m distances and the inter Francis; and rows were naturally grassed. Vit. C after Melitz. In relation to climate, the region is related to Fore–Balkan, mountainous Results and Discussion climatic region of continental climate Typical for Japanese quince is subregion. The altitude is about 500m. furling of a flower buds and then leaves. Table 1. Phenologycal calendar (2008–2010) Beginning of Full Genotype Year Bud bursting End of flowering Picking ripeness flowering flowering 2008 07.March 14.Аpril 16. April 12.Маy 01.October №2 2009 10. March 08. Аpril 16. April 12. Маy 01. October 2010 05. March 12. Аpril 20. Аpril 15. Маy 27. October 2008 05. March 09. Аpril 18. April 13. Маy 18. October №11 2009 07. March 10. Аpril 25. April 15. Маy 10. October 2010 02. March 14. Аpril 26. Аpril 17. Маy 07. October 2008 02. March 06. Аpril 16. April 10. Маy 28.September №22 2009 07. March 06. Аpril 23. April 17. Маy 01. October 2010 05. March 10. Аpril 18. Аpril 15. Маy 27. September 2008 10. March 15. Аpril 26. April 11. Маy 15. October №24 2009 18. March 20. Аpril 25. April 15. Маy 10. October 2010 13. March 18. Аpril 24. Аpril 14. Маy 07. October 2008 10. March 16. Аpril 28. April 12. Маy 15. October №26 2009 20. March 20. Аpril 25. Аpril 12. Маy 10. October 2010 12. March 17. Аpril 23. Аpril 15. Маy 07. October 2008 05. March 07. Аpril 20. April 10. Маy 05. October №27 2009 08. March 13. Аpril 20. Аpril 16. Маy 05. October 2010 08. March 07. Аpril 19. Аpril 17. Маy 05. October 2008 14.January 06. Аpril 16. April 10. Маy 05. October №30 2009 05. March 06. Аpril 22. Аpril 11. Маy 09. October 2010 03. March 06. Аpril 18. Аpril 11. Маy 05. October 2008 02. March 03. Аpril 13. April 13. Маy 01. October №33 2009 05. March 07. Аpril 15. Аpril 10. Маy 01. October 2010 02. March 03. Аpril 16. Аpril 15. Маy 30. September 2008 09. March 13. Аpril 15. April 15. Маy 01. October №36 2009 09. March 14. Аpril 18. Аpril 15. Маy 29. September 2010 11. March 13. Аpril 19. Аpril 16. Маy 01. October 2008 10. March 13. Аpril 24. April 07. Маy 29. October №40 2009 13. March 16. Аpril 23. Аpril 07. Маy 29. September 2010 11. March 13. Аpril 19. Аpril 13. Маy 29. October
Flowers are large with a diameter of characteristic brightening at the base or 2.9 to 5.1 cm, average 3–4 cm are dyed tip, which enhances the decorative fiery, light pink. Petals have a qualities. They consist of 5 rounded 44 Available on-line at http://www.bjbabe.ro Banats Journal of Biotechnology 2012, III(6),
boats–like, narrowed at the base petals, 5 flowering is foliage (24, 26 and 40), the fused at the base green sepals and others are opposite. Periodically by numerous (30–60) stamens with bright heating in the winter months (December yellow anthers. and January) is observed early flowering They are often quite large, which in genotypes 30 and 22. makes the colors more attractive. Stigmas Dissolution of the buds began in the are 5, sometimes fused at the base bars. first ten days of March (Table Located below the stamens and are 1).Maturation starts at the end of aligned with them. September as a good time to harvest all Flowers are numerous, over 100 of genotypes is the period before the onset a bush. Plants bloom abundantly every of the first frost (Table 1). Some are year. The bloom is a long (about 3 weeks) characterized by shedding of fruit when and occurs from early April until mid–May are ripe (genotypes 2, 22, 27, 30 and 40). (weather conditions Trojan). First open Harvest has been hampered by the flowers on branches situated close to the presence of numerous spines. Great soil surface. interest represents the genotypes 22 and During flowering and foliage begins. 36 who have no spines. Immediately after the loss of petals clearly Grown under the same conditions, outline formed fruit sets, which are the genotypes differ in their shrubs. rapidly–growing. Genotypes 2 and 33 reached relatively Described characteristics were greatest height (respectively 1.75 m and similar in all the forms. Intervention in 1.98 m). growth in various genotypes did not begin Almost all the average diameter is simultaneously. In one of them ahead of greater than their height (Table 2). Table 2. Yield from different genotypes of Chaenomeles sp. (kg per genotype) Variation Standard Genotype 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average coefficient deviation (S) (V %) №2 10.35 9.6 11.65 11.8 10.85 0.82 7.5 №11 2.25 2.86 2.64 2.5 2.56 0.19 7.7 №22 5.25 4.85 4.6 5.5 5.05 0.31 6.1 №24 1.75 1.55 1.62 1.8 1.68 0.09 5.3 №26 2.32 2.1 1.95 2.25 2.16 0.13 5.9 №27 4.9 3.75 5.4 3.3 4.34 0.76 17.4 №30 3.75 3.5 3.9 3.7 3.71 0.13 3.4 №33 1.45 1.25 1.6 1.5 1.45 0.11 7.8 №36 4.67 3.7 3.95 4.05 4.09 0.32 7.8 №40 3.85 2.95 3.25 3.05 3.28 0.31 9.5 Green–lowest yield (kg) Yellow–high yield (kg)
Genotypes 24 and 26 are ages like 5–6 years old can reach to 30– characterized by the slower growth, which 50 pieces. is why we call them dwarf shrubs (alpine This feature requires consideration genotype) (Figure 1). of distances between the rows when In all genotypes stems are strong, creating new plantations. often curved arc. In some (forms 24, 26, This creates the need for thinning. 36) occurred logging on land under the Young shoots are green at the weight of the fruit, while others remain beginning, smoked, but later become upright growth. brown–gray color. The most common shrubs are Fruit buds are complex or simple, formed from multiple shoots in different and contain 3–5, and a flower or leaf buds only. 45 Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timisoara, Contact: web: http://www.bjbabe.ro, e-mail: bjb@usab–tm.ro
The first type is observed at the piles, which create a peculiar beauty of base of strong two–year shoots and the flowering shrubs. The germs are oval with latter–on short branches, located on old anthocyanin tone and the leaves are wood. Because of this color appear on sharpened and often greenish brown.
2,5 2,44 2,35 2,01 2 1,87 1,98 1,75 1,72 1,63 1,7 1,5 1,46 1,48 1,49 1,32 1,27 1,251,34 1,05 1,15 1 0,62 0,69 0,5
0 №2 №11 №22 №24 №26 №27 №30 №33 №36 №40
Height (cm) Width (cm)
Figure 1. Size of shrubs from different genotypes of Chaenomeles sp.
The leaves are smooth, soft, Dwarf genotypes 24 and 26 also izomrud green. have relatively low yields due to the small They have a broad reverse ovoid size of their shrubs. Moderately fruitful shape with a length of 3–5 cm, rugged appear genotypes, of which receives an complex, with a reddish tone in spring, annual yield of about 4 kg of shrub. and later dark green, slightly lighter on the The differences in the yields in reverse side, with large well–shaped different genotypes are mathematically stipules. proven (Table 2). As most fruitful occurs genotype 2, The fruits from most genotypes are where the average yield was 10.85 kg per apple shaped. Exceptions are seen on the tree. genotypes 2 and 22–with an elliptical The lowest yield was obtained in shape (like lemon), and genotype 40 is genotype 33 (1.25 kg in 2008), which with conversely pear–shaped. combined with its heavy blooms–priority The highest average weight and outlines it as a genotype of ornamental size of fruit (over 70g) distinguished value. genotypes 2 and 22 (Table 3).
Table 3. Reproductive characteristics of different genotypes of Chaenomeles sp. Diameter Height Thickness Yield of Genotype Weight (g) (mm) (mm) mezokarp (mm) mezokarp (%) №2 71.91 44.33 53.1 9.4 42.41 №11 37.9 36.63 30.88 9.75 53.24 №22 72.6 46.94 58.56 11.5 49.00 №24 24.57 20.4 16.9 10.0 98.04 №26 32.72 24.0 23.1 7.5 62.50 №27 58.08 32.7 34.4 9.9 60.55 №30 45.3 28.8 32.6 12.7 88.19 №33 39.3 42.1 32.4 10.1 47.98 №36 56.2 32.92 34.52 8.5 51.64 №40 59.7 45.6 73.3 13.5 59.21
The highly extended form of the fruit longer length, but the weight of the fruit to of genotype 40 is the reason for the be closer to 27 and 36 genotypes. 46 Available on-line at http://www.bjbabe.ro Banats Journal of Biotechnology 2012, III(6),
As expected the smallest were there is some correlation between the those of Alpine genotypes 24 and 26 size of the fruit and endocarp, (respectively 24. 57 g and 32. 72 g). respectively there are exceptions, as in The thickness of mezokarp ranged form 40, where the thickness of from 7.5mm (genotype 26) to 13.5mm mezokarp, is greatest. (genotype 40). The fruits of Chaenomeles sp. are The highest yield of flesh has been characterized by high levels of biologically observed in genotypes 24 and 30. active substances. Table 4 presented Relatively high yield is reported on data from biochemical analysis of the genotypes 11, 27, 36 and 40. Although fruits from the studied genotypes.
Table 4. Biochemical parameters from different genotypes of Chaenomeles sp. Dry Total Antho– Inverted Sucrose Acids Vit.C Tannins Pectin Genotype matter sugar cyanins sugar (%) (%) (%) (mg/%) (%) (%) (DM) % (%) (mg) №2 12.0 3.55 3.05 0.48 1.61 109.12 0.178 0.157 1.29 №11 11.2 3.85 3.85 0.0 2.34 102.96 0.317 0.739 2.26 №22 12.0 4.85 4.85 0.0 2.41 113.52 0.336 0.831 4.83 №24 14.0 4.35 4.35 0.0 1.29 113.52 0.238 0.259 1.77 №26 13.5 2.25 1.45 0.76 2.13 127.6 0.455 0.952 0.48 №27 11.0 1.3 0.5 0.76 1.55 124.96 0.455 0.951 1.29 №30 11.3 3.7 2.55 1.09 1.54 47.52 0.495 0.683 0.81 №33 8.0 4.85 2.85 1.9 2.35 169.84 0.317 0.582 1.12 №36 10.5 3.05 3.05 0.0 1.61 286.7 0.554 0.591 3.87 №40 11.0 4.2 2.85 1.28 1.54 250.0 0.356 0.508 2.26
During the experimental period the The most anthocyanins were dry matter content was highest (14% and detected in thornless genotypes 22 (4.83 13.5%) in alpine genotypes 24 and 26, mg) and 36 (3.87 mg). while the fruits of genotype 33 are the The fruits of henomeles have a very lowest value on this indicator–8%. strong specific flavor, described by The characteristic of Japanese MONDESHKA, 2005 as "a combination of quince total sugars are low, ranging from tropical fruit, apple, pear, etc..." 1.3 to 4.85%. The results are similar to those Conclusions MEZHENSKYJ, 1998; RUMPUNEN, 2003; published by The genotypes described in this MONDESHKA, 2005. paper are interested in: The fruits of Chaenomeles sp. are Genotype 22 deserves more attention characterized by relatively high content of because of compact upright crown, the ascorbic acid. without spines, large deep yellow Leading this indicator is a genotype beautiful fruit (weight 72.6 g) oval and 36–286.7 mg /%, followed by genotype 40 Genotypes 24 and 26–because good (250 mg/%) and 33 (169.84 mg/%). dwarf shape and decorative features. In genotype 30 it is 6 times less Suitable for cultivation mainly for (47.52 mg / %). Acid content ranged from ornamental purposes is genotype 33. 1.54 to 2.41%. The highest yield of flesh genotype a The amount of pectin substances 24, but it yields is poor and very poor with higher values in the genotypes 26 growth. As a highly fruitful differs and 27 (<0.95%) and lower in the genotype 2, and as moderate fruitful genotypes are at 2 and 24 (0.157%, genotypes are 22, 27 and 36. 0.259%).
47 Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timisoara, Contact: web: http://www.bjbabe.ro, e-mail: bjb@usab–tm.ro
5. Chaenomeles sp. (Japanese quince) Tiits A.; Pöösasküdonia. Valgus, Tallin, in Estonian is species which grows normal if the Estonia, 1989, pp. 1–224 conditions in the Central Balkans. 6. Weber, C.; Cultivars in the genus This species is adaptable to the soil Chaenomeles. Arnoldia, 1963, 23, pp. in the area and is grown without the need 17–75. 7. Weber, C.; The genus Chaenomeles of plant protection. (Rosaceae). J. Arnold Arbor. 1964, This allows us to recommend for 45, pp. 161–205, 302–345. inclusion and development in organic fruit 8. Динкова, Х.; Нови елементи в production. технологията за отглеждане на сливи, Хабилитационен труд за References присъждане на научната степен in Bulgarian 1. Kviklys D.; Ruisa S.; Rumpunen K.; професор, 2009 Management of Japanese Quince 9. Меженський В.М.; Хеномелес–плодова (Chaenomeles japonica) Orchards. культура для сучасного Japanese Quince Potential Fruit Crop інтенсивного садівництва // for Northern Europe. Edited by Садівництво: Міжвідом. темат. наук. K.Rumpunen, Department of Crop зб.–Київ: Аграр. наука,. 1998, in Ukrainian Science, Balsgard, 2003, pp. 93–98. Вип.46.–с. pp. 63–65. 2. Mezhenskyj V.М.; Chaenomeles is a 10. Мондешка, П.; Лечебни плодови promising fruit crop for modern растения, 2005 in Bulgarian intensive horticulture. Inform. lystok, Artem. doslid. st. rozsadnytztva, Received: August 4, 2012 Artemivsk, 2002, 1, pp. 1–4in Ukrainian Accepted: September 7, 2012 3. Rumpunen K.; Kviklys D.; Kaupinen S.; Ruisa S.; Tigerstedt P.M.A.; Breeding strategies for the Fruit Crop Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica). Edited by K. Rumpunen, Department of Crop Science, Balsgard, 2003, pp. 59–80. 4. Tics A.; Krumcidonijas. Avots, Riga, Latvia, 1992, pp. 1–112 in Latvian
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