M. Ghasemi
K. Arzani - Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
D. Hassani

The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops grown in Iran. This research was conducted to determine the variation in walnut germplasm grown in the Arak region of Iran during the ۲۰۰۷-۲۰۰۸ growing seasons. All of the selected genotypes originated from seed, and their phenological and pomological characteristics were evaluated. Results indicated that there were promising genotypes within the walnut populations in the studied region. Genotypes MS۲۶, MS۶, MS۳۴, MS۴۵, MS۷۰, MS۴۹ and MS۵۴ were late bearing leaves (۲۱ to ۲۵ April). Genotypes MS۲۷ and MS۲۹ were completely homogamous. Bearing habit was lateral and terminal in ۳۸.۵۷ and ۶۱.۴۳% genotypes, respectively. Genotypes MS۸, MS۱۰, MS۴۸ and MS۶۶ were early maturing and their nuts matured before ۱۰ September. High variation for nut and kernel characteristics was found among the studied genotypes. Genotypes MS۱۵, MS۱۷, MS۱۹, MS۲۰, MS۲۳, MS۲۶, MS۲۷ and MS۲۹ were identified as promising, because their kernel weight, nut weight and kernel ratio were higher than ۶ g, ۱۲ g and ۵۰%, respectively. These superior genotypes could be used for cultivation or as parents in future breeding programs.

Genetic variation, juglans regia L, phenology, Pomology, promising genotypes