Nut, Kernel and Tree Characteristics of Selected Seed Propagated Almonds (<i>Amygdalus communis</i> L.) in Datca Peninsula

This study was carried out on seed propagated almond genotypes naturally grown in Datca peninsula, Turkey. Datca is well known for its old almond populations. The whole almond population was screened and 66 genotypes were pre-selected. According to the modified weighted ranking method, 15 of these were selected as promising and detailed examinations were made on 15 superior genotypes. The first flowering, full flowering and end of flowering were observed between 4 and 23 January, 9 and 27 January and 14 and 31 January among 15 genotypes, respectively. The nut weight of 15 almond genotypes were very diverse and ranged from 2.00 g to 7.97 g. The kernel weight and kernel ratio ranged from 1.04 to 2.11 g and 21.76 to 66.50%, respectively. Considering shell hardness, 10 genotypes were found to be extremely hard (stone almond), two genotypes were hard, two genotypes were of intermediate hardness and one genotype was in the soft-hardness group. The majority of genotypes had sweet tasting kernels (14 genotypes) and one genotype had a sweet-bitter taste. In terms of kernel color, five genotypes had intermediate, four genotypes had light, three genotypes had dark, two genotypes had extremely lightand one genotype had an extremely dark kernel color. We considered those genotypes as new cultivar candidates. In addition, hybridization among genetically diverse almond genotypes, either with each other or with standard cultivars, would be helpful in broadening the genetic base as well as in the creation of desirable recombinants for developing new improved almond cultivars.

Journal

ERWERBS-OBSTBAU

Year

2023

Volume

65

Issue

5

Pages

1489-1497

ISSN

0014-0309

eISSN

1439-0302

DOI

10.1007/s10341-023-00889-6

WoS UID

WOS:000984612600002