Identification and Selection of Twelve Walnut Superior and Promising Genotypes in Fars Province, Iran

The first step in walnut breeding programs is identification of superior and promising genotypes in different regions. In order to identify superior and promising genotypes in Fars province, Iran, this research was carried out during 2009-2011 in Bavanat region as one of walnut-growing regions. Phenological and pomological traits of 349 genotypes were evaluated using UPOV and IPGIRI descriptors. Genotypes with more than 10 g fruit weight, kernel weight of more than 6.5 g, kernel percentage of more than 45%, shell thickness less than 1.5mm and more than 25% of lateral bearing were selected as superiors genotypes and evaluated in the subsequent years. Based on the results, genotypes A79, A59, A30, A40, A14, A34, A17, A42, A68 and A69 which had the mentioned features and also full to very full kernels with bright to very bright colors, were identified as superior genotypes of the region. Fruit and kernel weight of these genotypes were 10.02-16.32 g and 5.51-7.77 g, respectively. Their kernel percentage and lateral bearing were also more than 43.5 and 25.8%, respectively. Genotypes A92 and A63 with 34 and 29 days delay compared to the reference standard (A2), respectively in the first year and 31 and 30 days delay in the second year were determined as late leafing genotypes.