Fruit characteristics of promising walnut genotypes from the region of Eastern Serbia

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine the fruit characteristics of selected walnut genotypes from the native population of Eastern Serbia. Over 28 trees that deserve attention were recorded through the selection procedure. By grafting, grouping and cultivation under the same conditions at the Fruit Research Institute in Cacak, seven promising genotypes with the most favourable fruit characteristics were identified. Important physical properties of the fruit, such as fruit weight, kernel weight, fruit dimensions and some kernel and shell properties were investigated. The fruits of the selected genotypes were large or very large. The fruit weight ranged from 13.4 to 17.9 g, whereas the kernel weight varied from 6.22 to 8.92 g. The kernel was light-coloured or yellow, of very good taste. The kernel percentage in the tested genotypes was high, over 50.0% (50.7-55.3%). Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a significant correlation between fruit and kernel characteristics. PCA analysis showed an adequate grouping of genotypes based on fruit quality. The obtained results suggest that selected promising walnut genotypes showed very good fruit properties, and may contribute to the increase of walnut production in the future.