Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Department of Horticulture, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University (WU), Wageningen, The Netherlands

Abstract

Evaluation of genetic diversity and identification of superior genotypes is a fundamental step
in walnut breeding programs. In addition, information on biochemical properties of superior
genotypes can help walnut breeders to release commercial varieties with high kernel quality.
To gain more information on superior genotypes, a walnut population located in southwest of
Iran was morphologically evaluated from 2010 to 2016. Based on important walnut breeding
traits, nine superior walnut genotypes were selected from a total of 612 tested genotypes.
These genotypes were characterized by high yield, moderate to late-leafing, lateral bearing,
thin shell and large nuts with light and extra-light kernel color. Biochemical traits of the
selected superior genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) and a
high variation was observed among genotypes in respect of oil, protein and total phenol
contents. Oil, protein and phenol contents of walnut kernels ranged between 57.9 to 69.6%,
13.0 to18.1% and 46.6 to 61.5 mg GAE g-1, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA),
monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) constituted on average
63.8%, 26.7% and 9.7% of fatty acid content, respectively. There was a negative correlation
between some phenological traits and oil and protein contents. Lateral bearing genotypes had
darker kernels with higher amounts of saturated fatty acids. In general, the selected walnut
genotypes not only are superior in various aspects of phenotypic characteristics, but also have
high kernel quality and nutritional value which can be used as a source of desirable genes for
future walnut breeding programs.

Keywords

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