A Naturel Heritage in Erzincan: Karaerik (Cimin) Grape

Viticultural activities in Erzincan are among the earliest agricultural practices in the region, with a history tracing back to the Neolithic Age. Although Erzincan viticulture has evolved from wine grape production to table grape production over time, the fundamental grape production methods have remained largely unchanged. The Üzümlü District is the primary production center that comes to mind when Erzincan viticulture is mentioned, and the standard grape variety is the Karaerik (Cimin) grape, recognized as one of the region's significant national values. While the vineyard area in Üzümlü has experienced slight fluctuations in the last two decades, no significant increase or decrease is noticeable. The limited production area and unique taste of the Karaerik grape variety have made it one of the most commercially valuable grape varieties in the Türkiye. Transferring this grape variety to future generations is crucial for preserving a historical value, cultural heritage and a unique genetic resource. However, it is anticipated that vineyards in the plains will shift towards the hillsides due to the frequent frost events experienced in recent years, which have a greater impact on vineyards in the lower-lying areas. Evaluation of hawthorn genotypes growing naturally in Malatya (Türkiye) in terms of some morphological characteristics