Morpho-Biochemical Diversity and Chemometric Evaluation of Viburnum opulus L. Genotypes from Central Anatolia

Abstract

Forty-eight naturally growing Viburnum opulus L. genotypes were collected from the Sarıoğlan, Felahiye, Melikgazi, and Kocasinan districts in Kayseri province, and characterized for morphological and horticultural traits. Fruit width (7.3 to 11.6 mm), fruit length (8.2 to 12 mm), fruit weight (0.3 to 0.8 g), number of fruits per cluster (18 to 111) and cluster weight (10 to 78 g) exhibited significant heterogeneity among the genotypes. Soluble solids content ranged from 7.5% to 11.6% and pH values ranged between 2.6 and 3.7. Oxalic acid content ranged from 221 to 779 mg/100 mL, malic acid from 8.6 × 10³ to 1.4 × 10⁴ mg/100 mL, citric acid from 8.4 × 10² to 2.7 × 10³ mg/100 mL, and ascorbic acid from 544 to 919 mg/100 mL. Total phenolic content was 1.8 × 10³ to 2.0 × 10³ mg/L GAE, total flavonoid content 1.2 × 10³ to 2.0 × 10³ mg/L QUE, and antioxidant activity remained relatively stable, ranging from 83.00% to 85.03% with a mean of 84.42. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering revealed relationships between morphological and biochemical traits. Correlation analyses indicated strong positive associations between fruit size and cluster characteristics. Phenolic compounds and vitamin C contents are the primary factors determining antioxidant capacity. The results highlight the importance of genetic diversity and provide a foundation for breeding, selection, and sustainable utilization efforts.