Carob Sapling Selection and Sapling Certificate
Carob is a long-lived tree; The choice of saplings made when establishing a garden determines the yield, fruit quality and operating cost of the garden for decades. It takes both time and effort to correct the mistake of the garden established with a sapling of the wrong sex, unknown variety or weak root structure.
In this article, we discuss the differences between grafted and ungrafted carob saplings, the preference for tubular and bare-root saplings, pollinator planning, and what the current legislation on the certification of fruit saplings in Turkey means for the sapling buyer.
Why is sapling selection so important?
Carob is a slowly growing and late-yielding species. Morton (1987) states that trees propagated with eye grafting start to bear fruit in the sixth year after planting, and the yield increases regularly until the age of 25-30. In the sample planning in the investor guide of the General Directorate of Forestry, positive net income from the garden is expected from the seventh year (General Directorate of Forestry, 2020).
This long period of time means that an error in the selection of saplings can only be noticed years later. For example, it can be understood that a sapling is a male individual when the fruit reaches the expected age. In the feasibility report prepared for the Western Mediterranean Development Agency, it is stated that the cost of saplings is one of the biggest items in garden establishment (Erbaş, 2024). In short, saplings are both one of the most critical and costly inputs of the garden.
Difference Between Grafted and Ungrafted Carob Saplings
Carob can be easily germinated from seed. Morton (1987) states that fresh seeds germinate quickly and can be sown directly to the land. However, a tree grown from seed does not guarantee the characteristics of the mother tree; fruit quality, yield, and even whether the tree is male or female are uncertain.
Ungrafted saplings
Ungrafted saplings grown from seeds are generally used as rootstocks. The General Directorate of Forestry (2020) states that ungrafted saplings obtained from wild carob seeds can be planted and grafted in the field after about a year; alternatively, 1+0 or 2+0 old tube saplings grafted in the nursery can also be used. Erbaş (2024) states that for the seeds to germinate, shell weakening with acid or hot water is required and cuttings are difficult to root.
Grafted seedlings
In the grafted sapling, a scion of a variety with known and desired characteristics is grafted onto the rootstock grown from the seed. Thus, the sex and fruit characteristics of the tree are largely known from the beginning. Erbaş (2024) counts T-budding, chip budding, and patch budding among the grafting methods used in carob. In a study published in the Journal of Akdeniz University Faculty of Agriculture, the effect of different grafting times on graft take and survival rates was examined (Gübbük et al., 2012); this shows that grafting timing is decisive in success.
The difference between grafted and natural trees was also measured in the field. In the study comparing natural and grafted carob trees in Köprülü Canyon National Park, it was found that the fruit characteristics of grafted trees showed higher values than natural trees, and the seed characteristics were approximately similar in the two groups (Çetinay et al., 2014).
| Feature | Ungrafted (seed) saplings | Grafted seedlings |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Uncertain; male may come out | Known according to the item used |
| Fruit characteristics | May differ from the parent tree | Bears the characteristics of the variety |
| Intended Use | Rootstock, afforestation, subsequent grafting in the field | Commercial orchard |
| Next workload | Grafting and grafting follow-up are required in the field | The graft was made in the nursery |
Tubing or Bareroot?
The root structure of the sapling directly affects the success of keeping in the first years after planting. In an experiment published in the Journal of Forestry Research and conducted in Osmaniye, nursery practices such as root cutting and top pruning significantly affected the morphological characteristics of the saplings; however, at the end of the third growing season in the field, it was observed that the determining factor was the sapling type. Tubular saplings showed better height and root collar diameter development with a higher survival rate than bare-root saplings (Taşdemir & Keleş, 2023).
The Agroforestree database also states that rootstocks are planted directly from pots, usually from pots, before or after eye grafting (Orwa et al., 2009). Considering that carob develops a deep and strong root system, it makes sense to opt for a healthy tubular seedling with roots that are not curled and have not formed a spiral in the container.
Male, Female and Male Saplings: Pollinator Planning
Carob has male, female and male trees. Female trees bear fruit but need pollen from male or female trees for pollination. For this reason, when ordering saplings, not only "how many saplings" but also "how many saplings of which gender" should be answered.
Morton (1987) recommends having one male tree for every 25–30 female trees or grafting male branches to some female trees. In the garden where ten varieties were tested in Spain, 12 percent of the trees were planned as pollinators (Tous et al., 2008). The study in Cyprus showed that bees produce 4–16 times more pods in open pollination compared to wind pollination (Varnava et al., 2023); therefore, it is important to distribute pollinator trees evenly throughout the garden.
In the report of the Western Mediterranean Development Agency, it is also stated that male trees are preferred in street and street afforestation because they do not shed fruit (Erbaş, 2024). In other words, if the aim is shade and landscaping, not fruit, male saplings may be a conscious choice.
Variety and Origin of Propagation Material
The value of the grafted sapling depends on the tree from which the scion used is taken. In the variety trial in Spain, Aida, Albarcara, Galhosa, Gaucin-1 and Mulata varieties were recommended among the best performers in terms of pod and seed production for new orchards; Rojal and Mulata yielded large pods weighing over 20 grams, while their seed rates remained at the lowest level with 10–12 percent (Tous et al., 2008). This result shows that the goals of "large fruit" and "high seed yield" do not always meet in the same variety.
Studies on local genotypes are also ongoing in Turkey. In the study examining wild genotypes in Antalya, the Demre location stood out with a fruit length of 19.03 cm, a fruit weight of 10.93 g, and a seed yield of 26.80 percent; it was recommended to use propagation material from this location, especially in new orchards for seed production (Balkıç et al., 2024). The Horticultural Research Institute (Alata) also conducted a project on the conservation and characterization of Eastern Mediterranean carob genetic resources.
When buying seedlings, the following questions should be asked:
- Is the sapling grafted? If so, from which variety or from which mother tree was the scion taken?
- Is the gender of the sapling (female, male, hermaphrodite) known?
- What is the purpose of the garden: table/snack fruit, molasses, seed (gum) production?
- Is the sapling tubular and is the root structure healthy?
- Does the sapling have a label, is the producer authorized?
Sapling Certificate and Label in Turkey: Current Legislation
The production and marketing of fruit saplings in Turkey are regulated by the legislation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The current regulation in this area is the Regulation on Certification and Marketing of Fruit Saplings and Production Materials, published in the Official Gazette dated April 28, 2026 and numbered 33237. The regulation covers saplings and production materials of fruit species; the list of species and varieties within the scope is published on the Ministry's website.
Sapling categories and label colors
In the regulation, saplings and production materials are defined in four categories and each category is marked with a different colored label:
| Category | Definition (summary) | Label color |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary foundation | Material obtained from breeding units number one | Purple belted on white |
| Basic | Material obtained from breeding units one or two | White |
| Certified | Material obtained from breeding units one, two or three | Blue |
| Standard | Material produced from breeders without a certificate of origin, whose accuracy is guaranteed by the authorized institution | Yellow |
Provisions concerning the buyer
According to the regulation, saplings produced within the certification system are marketed by authorized sapling producers or authorized seed dealers; it is prohibited to market saplings by persons other than these and to sell saplings without labels. There is a QR code containing certificate information on the labels; According to the news in the press, producers have been given a two-year transition period for QR code compliance (Ekonomim, 2026). The person who buys the sapling is obliged to keep the certificates and labels for one year to show them to the authorities when necessary.
The point to be noted here is this: The name carob is not mentioned separately in the text of the regulation; the species scope depends on the list published by the Ministry. Whether there are saplings in the certified category for carob should be confirmed from the provincial/district directorate of agriculture and forestry in your region or from the Ministry lists. Even if no certified saplings can be found, a "standard" category sapling with a label and purchased from an authorized producer is much more reliable than an unlabeled sapling in terms of guaranteeing the accuracy of its name.
Things to Consider When Buying and Planting Saplings
It is as important to plant it at the right time and in the right way, as it is to choose the right sapling. The General Directorate of Forestry (2020) recommends planting in autumn or spring when the soil is workable, using planting holes 6 x 6 meters apart and 30–40 cm deep, filled with a mixture of barnyard manure and soil.
- The trunk of the sapling should be smooth, the grafting site should be well fused and healthy.
- In tubular seedlings, the roots should not spiral at the bottom of the container.
- Saplings with vibrant, pest and disease-free leaves should be preferred.
- Labels, invoices and certificate documents, if any, should be kept.
- Since young seedlings are sensitive to frost, the planting site and time should be selected accordingly (Morton, 1987).
- The placement of female and pollinator seedlings in the garden should be planned before planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the carob I grow from seed bear fruit?
It can; however, there is a possibility that the tree will turn out to be male and the fruit characteristics may differ from the mother tree. In commercial gardens, seedlings grown from seeds are usually used as rootstocks and a known variety is grafted onto it.
How many years does a grafted carob sapling bear fruit?
Morton (1987) reports that eye-grafted trees begin to bear fruit in the sixth year after planting. Local conditions, care, and variety can alter this period.
What is the difference between certified saplings and standard saplings?
Certified saplings are produced from material obtained from breeding units in the certification system and carry a blue label. Standard saplings, on the other hand, are produced from breeders that do not have a certificate of origin; however, the accuracy of its name is guaranteed by the authorized organization and carries a yellow label.
Is it okay to buy seedlings without labels?
The regulation does not allow the sale of unlabeled saplings. It is not possible to prove the accuracy of the variety and gender in unlabeled saplings; in a species that yields late, such as carob, this risk occurs years later.
Start the Value of Carob from the Garden with Carob Türkiye
The quality of the carob orchard starts with the first planted sapling. The known variety, correct sex distribution and healthy root structure determine both the quantity of the fruit to be harvested years later and its suitability for processing.
At Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, kernel, and extract. If you are interested in kernel-oriented production What is Carob Seed? Our article and Carob Seed You can review our product page. For your wholesale and export requests You can contact us.
Domestic resources
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, "Regulation on Certification and Marketing of Fruit Saplings and Production Materials", Official Gazette, 28.04.2026, No. 33237. lexpera.
com. en/ legislation/ Regulations/ Fruit- sapling- and- produce... Ekonomim, "Principles regarding the certification system for fruit and vine saplings have been redefined", 28.04.2026. my economy.
com/ Sectors/ AGRICULTURE/ Fruit- and- vine- in saplings- s… Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Forestry, "Carob Orchard Facility Project Feasibility Report and Investor Guide", Ankara, 2020. Eskisehir.
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org/ 10. 17568/ ogmoad. 1268698 Çetinay, Ş., Güler, S., Coşgun, S., Şahin, M., Güngöroğlu, C., "Natural and Grafted Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Comparison of Trees in Terms of Fruit and Seed Characteristics (Köprülü Canyon National Park Example)", Journal of Süleyman Demirel University Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, 17(1), 64–69, 2014. dergipark.
org. en/ en/ pub/ sdufenbed/ article/ 222049 Balkıç, R., Polat, İ., Gübbük, H., "Effects of Different Locations on Fruit and Seed Characteristics in Naturally Growing Wild Carob Genotypes in Antalya", Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, 15(2), 74–80, 2024. doi.
org/ 10. 29048/ makufebed. 1454370 Gübbük, H. et al., "The Effects of Different Grafting Times on Graft take and Survival Rates in Carob", Journal of Akdeniz University Faculty of Agriculture, 25(2), 73–76, 2012. avesis.
Mediterranean. edu. en/ activitycitation/ index/ 1/ 46636c87- 1… Directorate of Horticultural Research Institute (Alata/Mersin), "Completed Projects". research.
agriculture. gov. en/ alata/ Menu/ 66/ Concluded- The project... Foreign sources
Tous, J., Romero, A., Hermoso, J. F., Ninot, A., Plana, J., "Fruiting and Kernel Production Characteristics of Ten Mediterranean Carob Cultivars Grown in Northeastern Spain", Journal of the American Pomological Society, 62(4), 144–150, 2008. journal.
americanpomological. org/ index. php/ jofaps/ article/ … Varnava, A. I., Manganaris, G. A., Stavrinides, M. C., "Assessing the biodiversity and the impact of pollinators on carob production", PLoS ONE, 18(10), e0291431, 2023. doi.
org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0291431 Orwa, C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R., Simons, A., "Ceratonia siliqua", Agroforestree Database 4.0, World Agroforestry Centre, 2009. apps.
worldagroforestry. org/ treedb2/ AFTPDFS/ Ceratonia_sili... Morton, J. F., "Carob", Fruits of Warm Climates, Miami, 1987. Growables.
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