Study on the Selection of Superior Walnut Trees in Hizan (Bitlis) Populations

Abstract

This study was conducted out to determine genetic variability and select superior walnut types within seedling population of Hizan (Bitlis). Hizan climatic environment is unsuitable for walnut trees. Walnut trees in Hizan population are generally tolerant to winter cold and late spring frost. Hizan seedling population exhibits tremendous genetic variation in pomological and phenological characteristics. Lateral fruitfulness of selected types are highest and leafing time is very late according to another trees. Selected type can use for walnut improvement as genetic resources . Nut quality of these types are not as good as of any standard walnut cultivar. But these types must be collected and propagated in research centre. In selected types nut weight varied between 7.49±0.75 - 13.93±0.75 g kernel weight varied between 2.61±0.13 - 5.73±1.13g, shell thickness changed 1.32±0.33 - 2.45±0.44 mm and nut diameter varied between 22.30±1.1232. 26±2.95 mm. Range of variation in nut colour is between dark brown to dark yellow.