Identification and Initial Evaluation of Superior Almond Genotypes of Traditional Orchards from Qazvin Based on Some Quantitative Traits

Iranian almond germplasm is regarded as one of the most diverse and valuable genetic resources for almond improvement. In the present study, almond genotypes from Ghazvin province were evaluated during 2013 and 2014 to determine the overall degree of variation and to select superior trees. During the first year evaluation, 45 superior genotypes were selected and some phonological traits were recorded according to IPGRI descriptor for almond. Results of analysis of variance and mean comparison of traits showed that cultivars and genotypes were significantly different in all studied traits, indicating significant differences between genotypes and traits. Some traits such as fruit width and diameter, shell diameter, fruit and kernel weight, branch length, leaf width and the number of leaves showed higher coefficients of variation. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method and Euclidean distance detected four major clusters and showed a considerable diversity within the same germplasm population. Principal component analysis indicated that the first and second components explained 69.97% of all variance. The results of this study showed the high diversity of the almond genotypes based on their morphological traits. This variety is useful for almond breeding programs.