On behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Sciences (ISHS) and the Organizing Committee, I would like to invite you to the “International Symposium on Carob:  A Neglected Species with Genetic Resources for Multifunctional Uses”.  The Symposium will be held at the Rixos Downtown Hotel in Antalya-Turkey.

Background:
Carob is a native tree of the Mediterranean basin used in afforestation, in urban landscaping and in dry farming or supplementary drip irrigation for fruit production. The trees are resilient to dry climates and adapted to a wide range of soil types. Carob pods are used for food and fodder. The seed endosperms are used for locust bean gum (E410) production and the gum is used in various industries. The seed embryo (germ flour) contains a good balance in essential amino acids, which makes an interesting product additive for food industry.

Turkey owns rich natural carob populations in the Mediterranean and the Aegean regions. Antalya is a leading producer of carob, is well known in its agriculture production and is very attractive for tourists. This symposium is able to offer not only an attractive scientific program but also an interesting social environment.