Morphological diversity in different almond varieties based on DUS descriptor

Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) is among the most popular nut trees worldwide. In the present study, 13 almond varieties grown at ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar Kashmir, India were evaluated for different morphological characters. A total of 30 characteristics, mainly released by the PPV & FRA (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority) DUS descriptor, were used to describe the tree, flowers, leaves, nuts, kernels for two consecutive years (2022 & 2023). The results displayed a high level of variability among all the selected varieties. The nut characteristics such as nut weight, shape, shell color intensity, softness of shell, and kernel weight, which determine the quality and marketability of almonds exhibited enormous variations. Moreover, the results suggest that the description of these varieties based on notes may be used as a reference for the protection of new varieties under PPV & FRA rules. The study is also useful for comparison against new candidate varieties.