127 Loquat Production in the West Mediterranean Region of Turkey M.A. Çelikyurt, B. Sayın and S. Tepe West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute 7100 Antalya Turkey Keywords: Eriobotrya japonica, production statistics, breeding Abstract The Mediterranean Region of Turkey has the most suitable ecological conditions for growing loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) and is particularly suitable for early production. In recent years, loquat production is carried out under covers in Antalya province since early fruits command a very high price. Approximately 58.2% of Turkey’s loquat production in the West Mediterranean region, with most production in the province of Antalya. In 2008, there were 157,190 loquat trees, 132,960 of which were bearing, in the Western Mediterranean region with production was 7347 tonnes. INTRODUCTION Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) originated in China, and spread from there to Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Algeria, Sicily, Corsica. Loquat cultivation is now concentrated between 20° and 35° latitudes but can be cultivated in the areas up to 45° latitudes which have a maritime influence. Because of the limited cultivation area and limited summer fruit in its season, the loquat commands high prices especially in the spring when the only competitive fresh fruits are strawberry, and immature plum and almond (Durgaç et al., 2006). LOQUAT PRODUCTION World Production World production of loquat is 314 thousand tonnes from nearly 62 thousand ha as shown in (Table 1). The main loquat producing countries are China (65%), Spain (13%), Pakistan (9%), and Turkey (4%). Production in Turkey It is estimated that loquat came to Turkey from Algeria and Lebanon 150-200 years ago (Demir, 1987). Loquat can be cultivated in the areas where citrus are cultivated. Previously loquats had been cultivated only in home orchards or as single trees, but is now being grown in commercial orchards with grafted trees. Trees grown from seed are often affected by cold damage and scab caused by Venturia inaequalis var. eriobotryae Scal. There were 323,000 trees in 1994 and 310,000 in 2008 (Anonymous, 2008). In 2008, loquat production in was 12.6 thousand tonnes with a value of nearly 12 million dollars. Loquat cultivars in Turkey include ‘Akko XIII’ (proprietary), ‘Gold Nugget’ (proprietary), ‘Tanaka’ (proprietary), ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ (proprietary), ‘Sayda’ (proprietary), ‘Yuvarlak Çukurgöbek’ and ‘Uzun Çukurgöbek’. Production in West Mediterranean Area In Turkey, 58.2% of loquat production is carried out in the West Mediterranean Region including Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur provinces. Antalya has a very suitable climatic conditions for subtropical fruit production and contributes 57.8% of total loquat production in 673 ha and production of 7291 t in 2008. The loquat cultivation can be carried out around all cities of Antalya located close to the sea. Alanya has 82% of loquat production in Antalya (Fig. 1). In recent years, greenhouse production of loquat has become widespread here. Other areas include Finike Proc. III rd IS on Loquat Eds.: J. Janick and A. Aytekin Polat Acta Hort. 887, ISHS 2011