Under the Department of Fruits and Viticulture, research and development (R&D) activities cultivation are conducted within four separate units:
1. Viticulture Unit
2. Temperate Climate Fruits Unit
3. Subtropical Fruits Unit
4. Citrus Fruits Unit
1. Viticulture
Under the Viticulture Unit, research is conducted on breeding, cultivation techniques, and adaptation. Within the scope of grape breeding projects, particularly local varieties with high potential are subject to clonal selection and mutation breeding projects aimed at enhancing existing yield and quality traits. Additionally, important local grape varieties in our working area, especially in Mersin region, are registered in accordance with relevant regulations and undergo registration processes under the Institute's name.
Furthermore, ongoing efforts continue to adapt newly developed native grape varieties by Institutes affiliated with TAGEM for both highland and plain regions. Based on the results of these projects, new high-yielding and high-quality grape varieties suitable for our region's viticulture are identified and introduced. Different cultivation techniques are also experimented with under these adaptation projects, and the most successful practices are recommended to Turkish producers.
Another project within the Viticulture Unit focuses on extending the post-harvest storage life through various applications in vineyards. This aims to ensure the availability of native grape varieties on our tables during the winter months, when the supply of local grape varieties ends and grape supply relies on exports. The goal is to make vineyard activities more profitable and productive for farmers while making it economically feasible for consumers to access local grape varieties.
In addition to the ongoing R&D projects related to viticulture, our institution collaborates and cooperates with NGOs operating in our region, where viticulture is deeply rooted. This collaboration aims to preserve, sustain, and enrich our region's longstanding viticulture, grape varieties, and grape products.
2. Temparet Climate Fruits
For nearly four decades, our institute has been actively engaged in research focused on temperate climate fruits, conducted both in open fields and controlled greenhouse environments. Our team of experts not only carries out ongoing investigations but also strategically plans for future research endeavors, all while concurrently providing educational initiatives targeted at growers.
Over the years, a series of research and development projects have been undertaken, encompassing topics such as adaptation, hybridization, and selection. Notably, our hybridization efforts in apricots have resulted in the creation of the Alatayıldızı, Çağataybey, Çağrıbey, Şahinbey, and Dr. Kaşka apricot varieties, which have achieved official registration as the country's first hybrit apricots. Moreover, our institute has undertaken field studies concerning innovative rootstocks for peaches and nectarines.
Subtropical Fruits
Within our institute, ongoing research and cultivation efforts are dedicated to the improvement of bananas. In the year 2021, applications for registration and production permits were submitted for five banana varieties, and these permits were subsequently granted. A notable event was the harvesting of Alata Azman bananas, graced by the participation of the esteemed Governor of Mersin, Mr. Ali İhsan SU.
Regarding the Avocado Genetic Resource Parcel being established within our institution, significant progress has been made in the grafting of the 40 avocado varieties acquired in 2021. Once the Avocado Genetic Resource Parcel is completed, momentum will continue with a strong drive towards developing avocado rootstocks and varieties suitable for our region and needs of our producers, along with other R&D activities in the field of avocados.
Our institute holds the responsibility of being the second-degree ex-situ coservation for loquat within TAGEM. Through the ongoing establishment of the Luquat Genetic Resources Parcel, a diverse range of varieties belonging to this category will be preserved.
Additionally, our research efforts extend to the following fruit varieties:
Pomegranate
Carob
Prickly Pear
Olive
Dragon Fruit
Strawberry
Citrus
Within the scope of plant cultivation in the region, the cultivation of citrus fruits is of utmost significance. Ongoing research and development activities are carried out for various citrus fruits, including lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and others. Concurrently, the institute has initiated efforts towards the registration of specific citrus varieties. Noteworthy among these varieties are the Toros Kırmızısı and Sarıca mandarin varieties, alongside four lemon varieties known as Erdemli 33, Lamas Yediveren, and Enter. Furthermore, three seedless lemon variations, namely Alata, Gülşen, and Uzun, have also been registered.
The Citrus Fruits Unit is dedicated to ensuring sustainable competitiveness in the citrus market. This is achieved through the ongoing development of varieties that cater to both industry and consumer preferences, while simultaneously maintaining consistent yield and quality characteristics of the varieties. These specialized cultivation and breeding initiatives are being carried out in collaboration with TAGEM and are further supported by contributions from the private sector. This collaborative approach ensures the alignment of the citrus industry with the demands of both citrus sector and consumers.
