Study Results on Local Plant Resources of Genus Cerasus in the Region of Troyan

Abstract

Expeditionary surveys were conducted in order to search for wild resources of genus Cerasus in the region of Troyan. A great variety of forms was found, distinguished by their morphological and biological characteristics. Their fruits ripened in the second half of June. They were comparatively small-sized, but trees were heavily loaded with fruits and had high fruitfulness. Fruit skin colouring was from red to dark-purple black. Eight forms represented a greater interest. Their fruit weight varied from 1.29 to 3.49 g. Trees with fruits about 2 – 2.5 g were dominant. Total sugars in fruits varied from 7.85% to 15.35%, as for the main part of studied forms they were 12.45 – 15.35%. The inverted sugar took a great deal from the total sugars, as only for No1 and 4 the sucrose amount was respectively 1.62% and 0.38%. Move valuable were forms No. 1 and No. 2, which possessed comparatively larger fruits – 2.8 g, and they had a higher content of total sugars (13.6 – 15.3 mg/%). They were superior with anthocyanins (61.45 mg/%) than most of the cultivated cherry cultivars. They had very good taste qualities. Form No. 1 had a better combination of sugar and acids, and more juicy consistency, while the fruit flesh in No. 2 was crispier.