Determination of Phenological, Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of Some Walnut (Junglas Regia L.) Genotypes Growing in Demirci (Manisa) District

Anatolia has long traditional walnut cultivation and rich for seed propagated walnut genetic variation. Selection studies on these rich variable walnut genetic resources are important in terms of determining and preserving genotypes with desired fruit and tree characteristics. This study carried out on seed propagated walnut genotypes in Demirci District of Manisa Province between 2018 and 2019 to determine superior walnut genotypes from natural seed propagated walnut populations. In field study a total 130 walnut genotypes were selected first year and after reevaluation in second year 20 promising walnut genotypes were selected among them as cultivar candidate and their phenological, pomological and biochemical characteristics were determined. The kernel weight, nut weight and kernel ratio of 20 promising genotypes were in the range of 5.03-9.27 g, 11.27-24.00 g, and 26.54-61.18%, respectively indicating great variability among genotypes. Nut length, width and shell thickness were between 31.8-44.9 mm, 30.0-35.8 mm, 1.3-2.4 mm, respectively. Average protein, oil, and ash ratio in fruits of 20 genotypes was determined as 24.48%, 65.08% and 1.90%. Considering all parameters Dem.45.karY, Dem.45.KoAlt, Dem.45.Koüst and Dem.45.Mah genotypes are found to be the most promising to register them as cultivar candidate.