Assessment of genetic diversity using phenological and morpho-physicochemical traits of almond genotypes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye

Abstract This study aimed to compare the genetic differences of local almond genotypes selected from Hatay province in the subtropical ecology of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye using phenological, nut quality, and chemical compositions. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis from multiple comparison analyses were used to evaluate the examined traits of the genotypes. In the study, local almond genotypes showed considerable diversity in terms of morphological, fruit quality, and biochemical properties. Full flowering dates for the genotypes were between 2 and 10 March and harvest times were between 31 July and 6 August. According to two-year data, the nut weight of the genotypes varied between 4.39 g and 6.73 g, whereas the kernel weight varied between 0.94 g and 1.22 g. ‘Bezge1’ and ‘Turfanda1’ genotypes did not have double fruits. ‘Turfanda2’ genotype was remarkable for its kernel weight being > 1 g, not having a double kernel, and containing > 50% total oil. Total fat content ranged between 47.95% and 54.47%. Interestingly, a negative correlation was found between kernel weight and kernel color L, b*, C, and hue values. PC results showed that nut and kernel size and oil profile were important variables in distinguishing almond genotypes from each other. These results demonstrate a substantial genetic diversity among almond genotypes, highlighting their potential for almond cultivation and breeding programs in the subtropical ecology of Türkiye. Moreover, the new goal will be to examine reveal the genetic differences with molecular marker methods and the performances of these genotypes under the same ecological conditions.