Aspects of introduction and prospects for the use of Juglans L. representatives in Central Russia

Background . Human health security is an important goal of contemporary society. The combination of beneficial properties in Juglans nuts makes them one of the most valuable plant genetic resources, capable of ensuring a wholesome supply of nutrients required by the human organism. The Persian walnut ( Juglans regia L.) has the largest set of useful agronomic traits among the representatives of the genus, except for winter hardiness. Its cultivation in areas farther to the north from the conventional area of distribution for commercial walnut orchards would be possible if Juglans spp. with higher resistance to unfavorable climate conditions could be involved. Interspecies hybridization can be used to increase winter hardiness in walnut. The objective of this study was to analyze the gene pool of Juglans L. and screen its bioresource collection at the arboretum of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK) in the context of useful agronomic indicators promising for plant breeding and landscaping. Materials and methods . The study was carried out in the VNIISPK arboretum (Orel Province, 53°00’N, 36°00’E) where 7 Juglans spp. are maintained. Results and conclusion . The results of the screening highlighted J. mandshurica Maxim., J. cordiformis Maxim., and Vekhov’s hybrid ( J. cinerea L. × J. mandshurica Maxim.) as the most resistant to adverse environmental effects. They are recommended for use in plant breeding and landscaping programs under the conditions of Central Russia. A seedling of cv. ‘Astakhovsky’ demonstrated the best agronomic indicators among the Persian walnut ( J. regia ) genotypes. It can be used by breeders to develop new cultivars with useful agronomic traits for the environmental conditions of the region of study.