Morphological Characteristics of Naturally Growing Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Genotypes in Serik District (Antalya/Türkiye)

In this study, the tree morphological characteristics of 45 genotypes of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), selected from a naturally occurring population in Serik district of Antalya (Turkey) between 2022 and 2024, were examined. Tree habit, number of trunks, trunk color, branch color, trunk circumference, leaflet length, leaflet width, and leaf chlorophyll density (SPAD value) were determined. The tree trunk circumference, leaflet length, leaflet width, and leaf SPAD values of the genotypes wereranged from 45-268 cm, 37.52-75.36 mm, 24.23-54.63 mm, and 31.24-54.86 mm, respectively. The majority of genotypes were found to have an upright habit (60%) and were multi-trunked (60%). In conclusion, significant variation was observed among the genotypes in terms of the examined characteristics.