Effect of self and cross pollination on fruit quantity and quality in some self-compatible almond genotypes

Nowadays, pollination management problem has been over comed through introducing new self-compatible for almond genotypes. Therefore, producing self-compatible genotypes has high priority in almond breeding programs. So, evalution of self-compatible genotypes as compared to self-incompatible ones and study of thier pollen effect is considered to be important. The present studies, effects of self and open pollination on some quantitative and qualitative traits in 13 self-compatible genotypes were studied. To do so, four branches with enough flowers were selected in each tree at baloon stage. They placed inside bags and selfing was carried out by hand. Two branches also were selected for open pollination in each tree to compare self and open pollination effect on fruit set as well as fruit and kernel characteristics. Results showed that slfing had no negative effect on any of fruit and kernel characteristics, but it significantly reduced fruit set precantage. To slove this problem, it is recommended to plant two highly self compatible genotype together in the some orchard. Howerever, some of highly self compatible genotypes such as number 23 with high frut set (18.23%) can the planted as a monoculture.