Pomological and Biochemical Properties of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Genotypes

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) is an important wild fruit species valued for its high nutritional and functional properties, particularly its richness in vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Despite the widespread natural distribution of rosehip in Türkiye, many local genetic resources remain insufficiently characterized, limiting their effective utilization in breeding, conservation, and cultivation programs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the morphological, pomological, and biochemical characteristics of naturally growing rosehip genotypes in the Central District of Tunceli and to identify superior genotypes with potential for future breeding and cultivation efforts. Ten rosehip genotypes collected from natural populations at altitudes ranging from 1178 to 1256 m were evaluated for fruit and seed characteristics, fruit color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and organic acid composition. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all examined traits. Fruit weight ranged from 1.00 to 1.81 g, soluble solids content from 45.40% to 51.90%, titratable acidity from 1.03% to 2.77%, and vitamin C content from 235.67 to 1126.30 mg/100 g. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total monomeric anthocyanin content, FRAP, and DPPH antioxidant activity values also varied significantly among genotypes. Organic acid analysis revealed considerable variation, particularly in citric and malic acid contents. Principal component analysis explained 92.4% of the total variation and grouped the genotypes into two major clusters. Based on the overall evaluation, genotypes TK2, TK5, TK9, and TK10 exhibited superior performance for several desirable traits. The results demonstrate the substantial genetic diversity present in the natural rosehip populations of Tunceli and highlight their potential value for germplasm conservation, selection breeding, and sustainable cultivation programs.