Fruit Characteristics of Promising Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) Genotypes Selected from Yeşilli (Mardin) District

In this study, which was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Yeşilli district of Mardin, 56 almond genotypes were identified from the naturally grown almond population in the region and some fruit characteristics and flowering observations of these genotypes were evaluated over two years. Based on the analyses and weighted rating results, 12 genotypes were selected as promising. The full flowering dates of these genotypes were recorded between March 5–31 in 2021 and February 17–March 2 in 2022. For the selected genotypes, average nut weight ranged from 2.09 to 5.10 g, nut width from 15.77 to 23.72 mm, nut length from 23.93 to 36.37 mm, nut thickness from 12.69 to 16.05 mm, kernel weight from 0.74 to 1.12 g, kernel percentage from 15.76% to 36.82%, and double kernel percentage from 0% to 35%. In addition, the overall weighted scores for flowering and quality traits were determined to be between 586–654 and 580–649 respectively. As a result, it was found that the natural almond genotypes in the Yeşilli region have significant genetic variation and are valuable resources for almond breeding programs.