Selection and characterization of elite walnut (Juglans regia L.) clone from seedling origin trees in North Western Himalayan region of India

摘要

Western Himalayan region of India provides agroclimatic conditions suitable for producing high quality walnuts. Jammu and Kashmir State of India produces major share of export quality walnut. The nuts brought to market are generally a mixture of variable size and shape as they are harvested from different seedling tress. This study aimed to identify a clone, which has high export quality. We identified 63 walnut seedling trees and found GL0109 tree as best meeting all the export standards like nut weight (20.10g), nut size (45.45mm x 42.07mm), nut grade (Jambo), shell thickness (1.24mm), kernel recovery (61.40%), proportion of light coloured kenel (83.40%), protein content (15.66%) and oil content (68.42%). It was also found highly resistant to anthracnose disease as it showed 5-10% incidence and 0-5% severity against 60% incidence and 75% severity in other 63 seedling trees. Overall, it scored 9.25 numerical rating on 10 point scale based on the parameters prescribed by Jammu and Kashmir Walnut Exporters Association. Thus, GL0109 was identified and recommended for cultivation in different walnut growing areas of the state.