Evaluation of the diversity among the service tree (<i>Cormus domestica</i> L. Spach) accessions grown in the Seben (Bolu, Türkiye) region based on fruit traits and bioactive compounds

The study was conducted to evaluate the diversity based on fruit traits and biochemical composition of the service tree accessions growing naturally in the Western Black Sea region of T & uuml;rkiye. A wide variation was determined regarding the traits investigated among service tree accessions. In the service tree accessions, fruit weight varied between 4.90 and 10.33 g, and fruit size ranged from 19.72 to 27.49 mm. Vitamin C was determined between 4.86 and 76.40 mg 100 g-1. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (according to DPPH and FRAP assays) ranged from 82.4 to 1749.1 mg 100 g-1, 34.8 to 497.1 mg 100 g-1, 1.42 to 20.98 mmol kg-1, and 7.68 to 61.28 mmol kg-1, respectively. Catechin, caffeic, epicatechin, and rutin were determined as major individual phenolics. Principle component analysis revealed that traits investigated could effectively explain the variability among service tree accessions. The first three components explained 56.6% of the total variation. These findings highlight the rich genetic diversity of local service tree accessions and their potential for use in future breeding and conservation programs.