Phenological, Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Some Promising Walnut (Juglans regia L) Genotypes in Konya

This study was carried out between 2010 and 2013 in three districts (Akşehir, Beyşehir, and Hüyük) of Konya. During survey study, about 2500 walnut genotypes were observed for different walnut pomological characteristics such as shelled nut weight (g) and percentage of the kernel (%). The promising genotypes were selected among these walnut populations. In 2010 and 2012, 300 walnut genotypes were selected and these selected walnut genotypes number were decreased from 300 to 8 genotypes in 2013. Eight genotypes were found promising due to features of shelled nut and kernel. The shelled fruit weight ranged from 8.70 to 14.34 g. The percentage of kernel rates were determined between 40.15 and 63.21%. Genotype “BE-14” had the highest oil content (65.72%). Selected walnut genotypes were compared with Turkish and foreign walnuts cultivars by ISSR DNA marker system for genetic similarity. The highest similarity was found between “AK2” and “AK3” (89.10%) while the lowest similarity was found between ‘Franquette’ and ‘Chandler’ (49.10%).