STUDY OF THE GENOFOND OF THE PERSIMMON SPECIES (Diospyros L.) IN AZERBAIJAN

This article defines the places and coordinates of varieties and forms of different types of persimmons common in the Sheki-Zakatala region, and evaluates the pomological features of their fruits. In Azerbaijan, persimmon cultivation areas are concentrated in lowlands, mountains and foothills. In the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan, wild persimmon is also widely used. Over the years, highly valuable persimmon varieties of folk selection have been bred by local residents in the regions. Persimmon is found throughout the region, especially often it can be found in the Balakan, Zakatala and Kakh regions. It grows wild and has a wide range. In folk medicine, the alcoholic extract from persimmon fruits is used in the treatment of thyroid diseases, its fruits are used for anemia, it is recommended as a means for general healing and recovery from exhaustion, diseases of the nervous system, anorexia, hypertension, bronchitis, etc. In scientific medicine, drugs from its fruits are used in the treatment of goiter and thyrotoxicosis. In Azerbaijan, there are 3 types of persimmon belonging to the same genus - Diospyros L. Oriental persimmon and virgin persimmon, as well as the wild species of the genus - Caucasian persimmon - are valuable decorativel and most frost-resistant plants among all subtropical fruit crops. It is distributed mainly on wet mountain slopes, found at an altitude of 400-800 meters above sea level. The study found that in the northwestern region, persimmon species are more common at an altitude of 200- 500 meters above sea level. Differences were also found in the pomological characteristics of the fruits. Thus, round and elongated fruits are more common in the region. As a result of the research, indicators such as weight, color and shape of fruits of persimmon varieties and forms in regional conditions were studied and analyzed.